Stronger mining stocks and a better-than-expected update from Alliance & Leicester gave the FTSE 100 Index reason to break the 5500 barrier today.

London’s leading shares finished a miserable week in the red today as stocks lost favour with investors.

Disappointment at the latest results from telecoms giant Vodafone helped put an end to a five-day winning streak by the FTSE 100 Index today.

The London market compounded its losses today as concerns about Vodafone’s outlook continued to weigh on investors.

London’s leading shares staged a late rally to close above 4700 despite record oil prices and downbeat manufacturing news.

A good start on Wall Street and positive sentiment among mining stocks helped sustain gains on the London market today.

Weaker mining stocks ensured the FTSE 100 Index failed to take advantage of falling oil prices and a positive session for media companies today.

The FTSE 100 Index gave up another 40 points today after a clutch of stocks went ex-dividend and an update from a US tech giant knocked confidence.

London’s FTSE 100 Index closed at a new 15-month high today after investors cheered another set of upbeat economic figures.

London’s top-flight shares held most of their early gains today as Wall Street looked set to open higher.

The FTSE 100 Index appears to have put nerves behind it as top flight shares moved firmly into positive territory after an early dip.

The FTSE 100 Index has started the week with caution, as London's leading shares were held back by poor US economic data and slow Wall Street trading on Friday.

The London market's bullish mood has showed no signs of easing as the FTSE managed further modest gains in early trading.

The FTSE 100 Index is down 3.4 at 5179.1.