Falls among blue chip banks pulled the FTSE 100 Index into negative territory today after warnings of a possible ratings downgrade for debt-laden Spain.

The threat of a ratings downgrade for Spain sent blue-chip banks lower today and dragged the FTSE 100 Index back from yesterday's two-and-a-half-year high.

The maker of Spode and Royal Worcester ceramics today said 2010 will be a record year for sales after a surge in demand from overseas buyers.