Fears that China will raise interest rates in a bid to cool its economy put world markets under pressure today amid sharp falls for mining stocks.

Scottish & Southern Energy's plans to raise gas bills by 9.4% fuelled gains among blue chip utility stocks today.

The FTSE 100 Index lost hold of early gains by midday today as investors continued to fret about recovery prospects for the world economy.

The FTSE 100 Index plunged more than 2% today as investors headed for the exit following Germany’s shock move to prevent speculators betting against the eurozone.

British energy supplier Scottish & Southern Energy today boosted annual profits to £1.29bn (€1.5bn) despite falling power use among its 9.16 million customers.

The FTSE 100 Index lost ground today in a lacklustre end to the trading week but held firm above the 5700 mark breached in the previous session.

The FTSE 100 Index shed almost 2% today as worries over Chinese growth and mixed results from US banks sent tremors through world markets.

THE value of mergers and acquisitions in Ireland plunged by 76% last year to €8.2 billion, resulting in one of the worst performances in Europe.

Plans to build a new nuclear power station at Sellafield were advanced today after a consortium of energy firms bought land earmarked for the development.

The London market’s six-day winning streak came to an end today as Royal Bank of Scotland led blue-chip shares lower.

The FTSE 100 Index was back in negative territory today as investor caution weighed on bank and mining stocks once more.

Royal Bank of Scotland shares slumped 13% today after weaker-than-expected results exploded the recent mood of optimism in the bank sector.

The six-day rally on the FTSE 100 Index was brought to an abrupt end today as falling commodity stocks put pressure on miners and oil majors.

The slide in European markets continued today as the FTSE 100 Index registered its lowest close for more than five years.

Vodafone shares jumped another 7% after a post-results bounce for the mobile phone giant continued today.

Fears the global financial crisis could get worse in the coming months saw widespread losses in London today as the FTSE 100 Index slumped more than 2%.

Fears the global financial crisis could get worse in the coming months derailed the UK banking sector’s recent share price recovery today.

THERE is uncertainty over the future of about 180 jobs at the ESB, with the company reaching agreement over the sale of two of its electricity generating power stations.

SCOTTISH & Southern Energy, Britain’s second-biggest energy provider, got consent from Scottish ministers to develop Europe’s largest onshore wind farm.

AIRTRICITY, the Dublin based renewable energy firm, has entered the Irish electricity and gas supply sector and is targeting a 15% share of the Irish market by 2013.

WIND energy company Airtricity — now owned by Scottish & Southern Energy (SSE) — has entered two separate joint ventures to develop wind farms in Portugal.

House price gloom outweighed gains for energy stocks as the London market dipped into the red today.

Scottish & Southern Energy today became the last of the UK’s six main suppliers to increase fuel bills as it hit customers with double-digit price hikes.

Households in the UK received a fresh blow to their finances tonight after the countrys largest energy supplier announced double-digit price hikes.

The FTSE 100 Index held on to positive territory today, despite the impact of a weaker-than-expected start to trading on Wall Street.

The major UK power companies are still failing to meet the challenge of climate change, wildlife charity WWF claimed today.

London’s blue chips found momentum in afternoon trading today after better-than-expected economic data from the US.

London’s leading shares struggled for direction today amid a lack of corporate and economic news.

Financial and mining stocks led a rally for London’s leading shares as takeover speculation continued to buoy the market.

The London market suffered losses of near to 1% today after a poor finish on Wall Street took its toll.

Potential private equity bid excitement surrounding Marks & Spencer was today filling the void left by Sainsbury's, as the consortium eyeing the supermarket chain finally abandoned its takeover attempt.

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 fresh round of takeover speculation helped boost the London market today as the Footsie powered through the 6400 barrier during afternoon trading.

DSG International led the London market into the red today after a disappointing Christmas trading update sent its shares tumbling 12%.

The London market brushed aside a fresh scare on interest rates today before succumbing to a late sell-off as oil and mining stocks weakened.

A takeover bid for Scottish Power and the dramatic appointment of a new boss at ITV failed to lift the London market today as a weakening US dollar continued to take its toll.

The FTSE 100 Index briefly touched 6250 today before drifting into the red ahead of the Bank of England’s decision on interest rates.

The London market slipped into the red today despite a 9% surge in Scottish Power shares after the energy supplier gave details of an approach from an unnamed suitor.

A resurgent Morrisons led the London market forward today after the supermarket chain impressed the City with its half-year results.

The London market slumped into the red today weighed down by fears of an economic slowdown across the Atlantic.

The London market closed barely ahead of its opening mark today following a mixed session in the City.

The FTSE 100 Index sunk into the red today as inflation concerns continued to hit world markets.