Travel firms slumped into the red today as fears over political unrest in Egypt hit blue chip stocks.

The Christmas retail reporting season created more winners and losers today as the wider market eased back from yesterday’s fresh two-and-a-half year high.

Falls among blue chip banks pulled the FTSE 100 Index into negative territory today after warnings of a possible ratings downgrade for debt-laden Spain.

The FTSE 100 Index shook off earlier losses and continued its recent rally today after better-than-expected job figures in the US lifted the market.

The FTSE 100 Index soared past the 5600 level today as stock markets worldwide rallied ahead of Tuesday's key meeting on interest rates by the US Federal Reserve.

London’s blue-chip share index failed to hold on to gains today as losses on Wall Street wiped out early progress.

The FTSE 100 Index plunged again today as debt-laden Greece agreed a rescue deal to avert national bankruptcy.

London's FTSE 100 Index enjoyed a bright start to the week today after nerves were soothed by Abu Dhabi's £6bn (€6.7bn) bail-out of debt-laden neighbour Dubai.

Downbeat housing market data from the US sent London stocks into reverse today in a nervous session for the FTSE 100 Index.

The London market pulled into positive territory today as early gains on Wall Street helped boost sentiment.

The London market was dragged into the red today as financial stocks foundered on concerns over the banking sector.

The FTSE 100 Index closed at its highest level since early January today as investors were cheered by a raft of results from corporate heavyweights.

The London market extended its winning streak to an eleventh day today after a late climb into the black.

The London market was making little headway today as top-flight stocks sought a record-equalling eleventh winning session in a row.

The FTSE 100 Index edged back into positive territory today despite weaker-than-expected official sales figures putting pressure on retailers.

The FTSE 100 Index shed more than 2% today as positive news for the UK economy was overshadowed by gloom on Wall Street.

The London market enjoyed a reversal of fortunes today as it leapt into the black after better-than-expected US consumer confidence figures.

The rally on London’s FTSE 100 Index ground to an abrupt halt today as investors rushed to secure profits amid more gloomy news on banks after their recent bull run.

Barclays led the FTSE 100 Index to gains of almost 3% today as London’s blue-chip stocks kept up their recent momentum.

The London market held firm today despite sharp falls on Wall Street amid grim US housing and employment news.

The FTSE 100 Index broke a five-day losing streak today, but banks proved a rare bright spot amid subdued trading in London.

Gains of more than 8% for battered Royal Bank of Scotland, Barclays and Lloyds failed to prevent the FTSE 100 Index from slipping below the 4,000 mark by 11.15am today.

Insurers made strong advances on the London market today as blue chip stocks regained their poise in a less volatile session.

Another dire day for blue-chip stocks saw the FTSE 100 Index plunge more than 5% today to hit its lowest level in more than five years.

Airline stocks were under pressure in London today after warnings of losses from budget carrier Ryanair.

Fears of an interest rate hike in the US failed to stop the London market from reaching a four-month high today as blue-chips were buoyed by some positive trading updates.

A mixed session for big-hitting mining stocks and wider market lethargy saw the FTSE 100 Index in London end the session unchanged today.

The FTSE 100 Index lost ground today as high oil prices and weak banking stocks cast a shadow over London trading.

The world’s biggest drinks can maker has vowed to return to profits growth in 2008 after a weak dollar and high raw material costs dented annual earnings.

The London market was mired in negative territory today after investor confidence was shaken by gloomy sentiment from around the world.

Strong Christmas trading at Sainsbury’s buoyed its shares today but the wider London market wobbled after the Bank of England’s decision to hold interest rates.

Fresh gloom over the US economy and fears among retailers over Christmas trading saw London's blue chips slump nearly 2% today.

Northern Rock led gains on the London market today as shares in the stricken bank surged 7% on renewed hopes of a rescue from investment group Olivant.

The FTSE 100 Index tumbled back below the 6400 barrier today as investor doubts over plans by central banks to ease the credit crunch knocked 3% off UK blue chips.

London’s blue chip index fell more than 1% today after optimism over moves to pump billions into frozen money markets faded.

A profits warning from Currys owner DSG International weighed on retailers today and pushed blue-chip stocks into negative territory.

The world’s leading drinks can maker Rexam boosted its presence in Russia today after agreeing to buy rival Rostar for £149m (€221m).

Wall Street finished a wobbly session flat today as stubbornly high bond yields discouraged investors from buying back into the stock market.

The London market started the week on the front foot today as investor confidence returned after recent wobbles over Chinese stocks and global interest rates.

The world's biggest drinks can maker Rexam has snapped up an American plastic packaging firm for around $1.57bn (€1.18bn).

British Gas owner Centrica led an advance for the London market today after Russian gas giant Gazprom said over the weekend that it was close to finalising an unnamed deal to increase its market presence in the UK.

The world’s biggest drinks can maker Rexam today snapped up an American plastic packaging firm for around £800m (€1.2bn).

The FTSE-100 index at the close was down 0.8 at 6549.6.

Alliance Boots shares were trading above £10 today as investors suspected that bidder Stefano Pessina will need to increase his proposed offer price.