The FTSE 100 Index was back below the 5000 barrier today after a 2% fall for Japan’s Nikkei index set the tone for a lacklustre start to week.

London's FTSE 100 Index touched the 5000 mark for the first time in almost a year today as investor confidence showed little sign of waning.

Sports World owner Sports Direct International today raised its annual earnings forecast after enjoying a jump in sales during the summer.

Renewed hopes of a takeover for Friends Provident sent the insurer's shares soaring today, but part-nationalised banks suffered amid uncertainty over future prospects.

Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct International today reported a 91% dive in profits after its “strategic stakes” in rival retailers were frozen.

JD Sports Fashion revealed another strong performance today after sales growth accelerated in the eight weeks to the end of last month.

London’s blue-chips were mired in the red today as the looming bankruptcy of car giant General Motors dealt a blow to market sentiment.

The London market remained stuck in first gear today, despite strong gains on Wall Street last night after US interest rates were cut to near zero.

JJB Sports founder David Whelan was today being linked to a £100m (€117m) bid for the ailing sportswear firm’s health club chain.

The owner of JD Sports delivered some rare good news from the high street today after half-year profits jumped 71% and sales remained strong.

Under-fire Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley is expected to meet shareholders of his Sports World retail empire today amid pressure over the firm's pay plans and mounting fury from his club's fans.

Embattled Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley was under pressure on a second front today after a shareholder action group attacked his company's pay plans.

The FTSE 100 Index dived back towards bear market territory today as the prospect of more economic woes caused misery for traders.

The London market’s volatile week continued today as investors reacted to a sharp fall for shares on Wall Street last night.

Entrepreneur and Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley today described trading conditions at his Sports World empire as the worst in its 25-year history.

Talk of a possible bid for Marks & Spencer sent shares in the struggling retailer soaring today after its recent steep falls.

Three retail chains owned by tycoon Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct business were today rapped for enticing customers into stores with a closing down sale – only for the shops to carry on trading.

The owner of retail chain Sports World drew a mixed reaction from the City today, despite revealing it remained on course to hit earnings targets.

Sports Direct billionaire Mike Ashley is expanding his empire into China under a deal announced today to sell the company’s brands in the Far East.

Sports World retailer Sports Direct International today said it would meet profit forecasts despite “increasingly difficult” trading this year.

US giant Nike’s £285m (€394m) takeover of England kit manufacturer Umbro was today given the thumbs up by Sports World billionaire Mike Ashley.

A host of the biggest names on the British high street were under pressure today as concerns over trading in the crucial Christmas season mounted.

The owner of retail chain JD Sports turned up the pressure on its rivals today by forecasting annual profits above market expectations.

A profits warning from Currys owner DSG International weighed on retailers today and pushed blue-chip stocks into negative territory.

Sellers of England replica football shirts were under pressure today after the national team’s slump to defeat in Russia.

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.

London’s blue-chip stocks were firmly in positive territory today, more than recouping losses from yesterday’s 1% fall.

The FTSE 100 Index closed 1% lower today as jittery investors reacted to a lacklustre start to trading in New York.

SPORTS World billionaire Mike Ashley has labelled investors dismayed by the plunging share price of the business since its February float as “cry-babies” in an interview yesterday.

London’s leading shares lost 2% today as weaker oil prices and fresh fears over the US economy rocked investors.

A robust start to the interim results season failed to kickstart the London market today, with retailing and mining stocks among those on the back foot.

A massive £36.2bn (€54bn) was wiped off the FTSE 100 Index today after the London market was hit by its biggest fall since May last year.

Trading screens were a sea of red today after negative factors from overseas acted as a drag on sentiment in the London market.

Mining firms and weaker than expected inflation figures provided a boost to the London market today, offsetting declines from a host of property companies.

UK entrepreneur Mike Ashley was poised for an £800m (€1.2bn) windfall today after announcing plans for the flotation of his Sports World retail empire.

British sportswear firm JJB Sports today posted a 45% fall in profits as a vicious price war took its toll.