The FTSE 100 Index cheered investors in 2010 with better-than-expected growth of about 9%, although there are fears that the coming year could be much more difficult for the London market.

London’s leading share index has suffered its second-worst October ever, despite today closing with a 12.7% surge over the week.

Another £33bn (€42bn) was added to the value of UK blue chips today as London’s leading share index extended yesterday’s relief rally.

London's FTSE 100 Index powered ahead today as bargain hunters returned to the market after the recent turmoil.

Halifax Bank of Scotland’s £4bn (€5bn) investor cash-call today looked doomed to be one of the biggest failed rights issues ever, despite shares rallying as banks soared higher.

There were hopes that the global credit crunch which sparked the bank run on the Northern Rock would begin to ease today after a bigger-than-expected cut in interest rates in the US.

The crisis facing Northern Rock has intensified speculation that the bank will shortly be sold off.

The name Northern Rock could disappear from the High Street within a year as a result of the current woes facing the bank, experts said today.

Police in the North had to be called to help control anxious crowds of Northern Rock savers intent on emptying their accounts today.

Savers at Northern Rock have ignored pleas for calm and queued for a second day outside branches across the UK to empty their accounts.

Mortgage lender Northern Rock has called on emergency funding from the Bank of England to help it through the credit market crisis, it has emerged.

The FTSE 100 Index plunged back into the red today as persistent fears over the US economy and America’s sub-prime mortgage crisis ended a six-day run of gains.

SHARES in Eurotunnel dropped more than 10% yesterday amid growing fears that creditors were preparing to take control of the business.

The US dollar slid to a record low against the euro today as dealers continued to fret over the size of America’s current account deficit.

Semiconductor giant Intel helped keep European markets on the front foot today after announcing a sharp improvement in quarterly sales and profits.

A WAVE of more upbeat company results and economic data have stoked a summer surge in British share prices and should keep them on the rise in the coming months — albeit at a less sizzling pace.

The FTSE 100 Index tumbled back below the 4,000 level today as hefty falls from banking and insurance stocks hit the market.

After a tumultuous year on the stock market UK analysts are predicting better news for investors in 2003.

The FTSE 100 Index eased past the 4000 level today as weak trading took its toll on blue-chip shares.

THE uncertainty about the possibility of war was the underlying factor which wiped millions of euro from the value of shares on stock markets across the globe yesterday, according to Goodbody Stockbrokers head of research Colin Hunt.

The London market plunged to its lowest close for eight weeks today as gloomy sentiment around the world hit home.

The worst could be over for the battered London stock market and investors could be looking forward to a sustained bounce back, it was claimed today.

Investors are today clinging to the hope that last week’s mini shares revival marked the start of brighter times for leading stocks.

Investors suffered another session of woe today as the London market slid further below the 4,000 mark to hit fresh lows.

HOPES that the London market might end a turbulent week on a high note crashed today as blue-chip shares fell sharply.

LONDON'S heavyweight stocks continued their resurgence yesterday as the FTSE 100 Index soared to within reach of the 4300 barrier.

The London market rallied today as blue-chip shares raced ahead after a spate of hefty losses.

Blue-chip shares took another knock today as gains earlier in the session disappeared in the wake of more bad news from the US.

Investors had another traumatic session on the London stock market today, as shares were hit by a wave of selling.

Nervy investors were dealt another blow today as Irish drinks and snacks company C&C called off a planned €1.1bn flotation just hours before a deadline to sign up for shares.

The London market slumped to its lowest close for more than five years today as another plunge on Wall Street send shudders through investors.

UK Investors were today given some relief from last week’s woes as the FTSE 100 Index pushed ahead during morning trading.

Investors were today anxiously watching the FTSE 100 index after they were warned to expect another stressful week following last Friday’s £34bn (€53bn) slump in the value of London’s leading shares.

Mobile phone giant Vodafone may be forced to slash the value of recent acquisitions by billions of pounds.

City experts tonight forecast a nervous start to trading on the stock market today following the allies’ attacks on Afghanistan.

City experts tonight forecast a nervous start to trading on the stock market tomorrow following the allies’ attacks on Afghanistan.