The FTSE 100 Index recouped earlier heavy losses today after another grim set of jobless figures in the United States fuelled hopes that policymakers will take further action to prop up the global economic recovery.

The FTSE 100 Index just managed to keep its head above water today after spending much of the session in the red following mixed economic data from the US and concerns over European debt.

The FTSE 100 Index held on to gains seen in Tuesday's bounce-back today as heavyweight stocks lent their support.

The London market soared 2% to a fresh 10-month high today as shares rallied for a fourth session in a row.

The Footsie was mired in the red today as investors took stock of the US government’s banking rescue scheme.

The London market sunk into the red today as Lloyds Banking Group suffered further misery in the wake of its shock HBOS profits warning.

The FTSE 100 Index pushed ahead today as better-than-expected overseas news cheered investors.

The UK government’s second bank bail-out failed to reassure investors today as potential record losses at Royal Bank of Scotland sparked heavy falls across the sector.

London’s leading share index closed in positive territory today despite a rollercoaster session that saw blue chips swing between losses and gains.

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

The London market closed below the 6,000 barrier for the third session in a row today as heightened volatility kept stocks in negative territory.

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.

Reassuring news from banking giant Barclays and stronger-than-expected early trading on Wall Street helped limit falls on the London market today.

The UK benchmark index enjoyed a late rally today after benefiting from a strong surge in mining company shares.

The London market ran out of steam today as British Airways and the operator of the UK’s biggest coal-fired power station both sustained heavy losses.

The London market closed in the red today after BP took a major hit following its decision to shut production at a key Alaskan oil field.

Confidence in gaming shares was rocked today by charges laid against the operator BetonSports and its chief executive David Carruthers.

Investors enjoyed a good session in London today as rising commodity prices boosted heavyweight stocks and the Bank of England left interest rates on hold.

Takeover talk involving two high-profile stocks kept investors from fretting today over the prospect of higher interest rates in the United States.

BAA shares closed almost 3% higher as the £10 billion battle for the airports operator finally came to the boil today.

A rally by retailers and mobile phone giant Vodafone sent the FTSE 100 Index back above the 6100 barrier today after losses in the previous session.

Hopes of consolidation in the energy sector combined with a flurry of corporate results to send the FTSE 100 Index towards the 5900 mark today.

Software firm Sage is to expand its operations in Dublin.

A flurry of takeover activity boosted optimism in London today as the FTSE 100 Index soared to levels not seen for more than four years.

The London market was unable to cling on above the 5700 barrier today even though a rebound by stocks in Japan boosted morale.

Buyers padding out their portfolios with media and defence stocks today ensured the London market made strides during the first trading week of the new year.

The FTSE 100 Index broke the 5600 barrier for the first time in four years today as hopes for a strong 2006 continued to build.

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

Higher metal prices boosted mining stocks today as the London market ended the week on a positive note.

Only 13 blue-chip stocks made it into positive territory today as the FTSE 100 Index tumbled on the back of softening oil and copper prices.

IT specialist Sage led the FTSE 100 Index further below the key 5300 barrier today despite delivering results in line with hopes.

The London market shrugged off uncertainty over yesterday’s attacks in the capital to end the week in positive territory.

The FTSE 100 Index ended Wednesday in the doldrums after a poor start on Wall Street compounded the gloom in London.

London shares ended the week below 4900 after weak US economic data compounded gloom from the tech and mining sectors.

Electronics giant Samsung became the latest technology firm to deal a blow to global markets today when it revealed net profits slumped 52% in its first quarter.

Gains by drugs stocks were not enough to tempt investors into the wider London market today as a slump in global indices took its toll.

The FTSE 100 Index survived a late scare from across the Atlantic today to register its first positive finish of the week.

The London market ended near its opening mark today after Wall Street opened down on renewed US rate rise fears.

Takeover talk was fuelling London shares again today as the FTSE 100 Index held ground above the key 5000 barrier.

The London market closed in the red today amid downbeat results on Wall Street and fresh fears about UK interest rate rises.

Stronger mining stocks were the driving force for the London market today as the FTSE 100 Index finished well above the 4800 barrier.

The London market struggled to stay above the 4700 barrier today after renewed weakness in the US dollar compounded some disappointing corporate results.

London shares picked up the pace in late trading to end the day firmly above the key 4600 support level.

The FTSE 100 Index weakened towards the end of the session today as poorer-than-expected job figures in the United States cast a cloud over markets.