Shares in BAE Systems were on the slide today amid fears that Saudi Arabia could pull out of a deal to buy 72 Eurofighter jets.

Profit-takers caused the London market to fall back today, yet failed to lessen the shine of a better-than-expected year for the FTSE 100 Index.

The FTSE 100 Index edged towards the 5600 mark today in the last full trading session ahead of Christmas.