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The FTSE 100 Index lost ground today as gloom in the banking sector and more economic woes across the Atlantic rattled investors.

Banking stocks suffered losses of more than 2% today as analysts downgraded price targets in the wake of full-year results earlier in the week.

Shares in Halifax Bank of Scotland dived 10% today after full-year results disappointed analysts and the group said it would moderate mortgage lending.

Energy companies took a tumble today after regulator Ofgem opened an inquiry into the electricity and gas supply markets.

London’s FTSE 100 Index fell more than 1% today after inflation concerns and a poor opening session in New York dampened sentiment.

Standard Life shares staged a relief rally today on news of its withdrawal from the bidding battle for closed life insurance firm Resolution.

Troubled mortgage bank Northern Rock led blue-chip stocks higher today on the back of mounting speculation over a potential rescue for the lender.

Ingredients and sugar group Tate & Lyle led a downbeat close to the week for the London market after a disappointing trading update saw the stock hit a three-year low.

The London market plunged into the red today after heavy early losses on Wall Street and fresh doubts over mortgage lenders sent blue chips tumbling.

Banking group Barclays led a rally for London’s financial stocks today as investors cast aside last month’s credit concerns.

Blue chips lost almost 2% of their value today after fresh concerns over US sub-prime mortgages saw the London market plunge into the red.

EMPLOYEES at the Irish divisions of Royal & Sun Alliance will not be affected by proposed job cuts at the company as its Irish division delivers a strong solid performance in the first half of the year.

Insurance firms led the London market higher today as strong results and broker upgrades buoyed the sector.

More Than insurer Royal & Sun Alliance said today it planned to cut 700 jobs, including an estimated 500 positions in the UK.

The London market closed deep in the red again today as poor payroll figures in the US knocked already fragile investor confidence.

British Airways received a much-needed boost today after better-than-expected first quarter results caused its shares to surge.

The FTSE 100 Index rallied today to recover earlier losses sparked off by selling in US bond markets and fears of higher interest rates.

A quiet day for corporate and economic news saw the London market grounded in negative territory today.

The London market staged a rally in afternoon trading today, recouping some of its losses from earlier in the session following falls in China overnight.

The London market plunged below the 6600 barrier today as investor nerves were shaken by economic fears in the US and China.

The London market retreated back below the 6600 barrier today on the back of concerns China’s over-heating economy is heading for a fall.

Drinks and confectionery group Cadbury Schweppes helped steer an advance for the London market today after reports surfaced indicating private equity groups could be interested in its US beverages business.

The London market began the week on the front foot today driven on by deals and takeover speculation.

FIANNA Fáil yesterday suffered an election year setback.

Heavy selling of financial shares saw the London market head towards the 6,000 level today as stocks plummeted around the world.

Growing concerns over the US economy and the impact of rising levels of defaults on sub-prime mortgages sent global stocks sharply lower today.

Strong commodity prices have ensured the London market remained in positive territory as it sought to recoup losses after last week's correction.

The London market was on the front foot today as higher oil and metal prices buoyed commodity stocks.

A strong performance from the household arm of insurer More Than helped Royal & Sun Alliance post a 5% hike in annual operating profits today.

London shares were back in favour today as investors began hunting down bargains after the recent stock market bloodbath.

The London market experienced a slight rally in afternoon trading today as the FTSE 100 Index clawed back some of the session’s earlier losses.

British investors were in the grips of another difficult session today after seeing the FTSE 100 Index slip below 6,000.

A strong gain at steel group Corus could not save the FTSE 100 Index from falling into negative territory during a lacklustre session for the London market today.

Investors stayed on the sidelines today ahead of tomorrow’s decision on interest rates in the United States.

More than £500m (€762m) was wiped from the value of Tate & Lyle after the sugar and sweetener group delivered a surprise profits warning today.

Trading on the London Stock Exchange started the year in an upbeat mood as the FTSE 100 index closed at its highest level in almost six years today.

A plan by seven leading investment banks to set up a Europe-wide share-trading platform put pressure on shares in the London Stock Exchange today.

The London market made further progress today as the Dow Jones Industrial Average traded above 12,000 for the second session running in New York.

Banking stocks led the London market into the red today after Egg owner Prudential warned of a “marked deterioration” in market trends.

The London market was on the front foot today after market heavyweights BP and Royal Dutch Shell improved on the back of resurgent oil prices.

Insurer Royal & Sun Alliance put its US woes behind it today by agreeing to sell the American business to a group of senior managers.

TOP corporate names in Britain are to sue the British revenue for millions following last week’s victory at the European Court of Justice by Cadbury Schweppes.

High street clothes store Next leapt to the top of the FTSE 100 Index leaderboard today as the London market ended the week on the front foot.