Durex-to-Scholl footcare firm SSL International today said first-half profits had jumped 59% as its key brands weathered tough trading conditions.

The FTSE 100 Index struggled to extend Monday’s record-breaking rise today as a major mining deal brought the bounce back to a halt.

The collapse of a major mining takeover brought the London market back to earth today after the record gain of the previous session.

Durex condoms-to-Scholl footcare firm SSL International today said its global brands were beating the global downturn as half-year profits rocketed 46%.

London's leading shares retreated today as nerves over record oil prices overshadowed trading.

Record oil prices encouraged investors to remain on the sidelines today, despite the boost of weaker-than-expected inflation figures in the UK.

Concerns over Tate & Lyle failed to overshadow a bright start for the London market today.

Food to fashion retailer Marks & Spencer led the blue chip fallers on the London market today as the group's cautious outlook took the shine off strong profits.

The London market was in retreat today amid negative sentiment over major blue-chips including Marks & Spencer and GlaxoSmithKline.

Rocketing Durex sales today helped SSL International push up profits by nearly a third.

Durex maker SSL International said today it was on track to meet profits targets after a strong showing from its key consumer brands.

Several high-profile stocks were on the front foot today buoyed by bid speculation and a series of positive broker upgrades.

Takeover talk lifted several London stocks today although the bid rumours sweeping the market failed to lift the Footsie into positive territory.

The FTSE 100 Index backed away from the 6000 mark today as miners suffered at the hands of weakening metal prices.

The FTSE 100 Index circled around the 6000 barrier today as investors took courage from another strong session in New York.

The FTSE 100 Index circled around the 6000 barrier today as investors took courage from another strong session in New York.

Strong sales of condoms boosted profits at Durex owner SSL International today as it looked to promote both safer and better sex.

An uncertain final session before Easter today saw the FTSE 100 Index sink below 6000 before recovering with strong gains from Vodafone and Rolls-Royce.

SSL International today said its strategy of selling condoms to the MTV generation was paying off as annual sales of its consumer brands such as Durex accelerated 5%.

The maker of Durex condoms and Scholl footwear today said former Railtrack chief executive Gerald Corbett will become its new chairman.

Disappointment at the latest results from telecoms giant Vodafone helped put an end to a five-day winning streak by the FTSE 100 Index today.

Scholl footwear manufacturer SSL International today announced plans to close a UK factory and transfer the work to a facility in India.

The FTSE 100 Index hit a fresh 30-month high today as it chalked up gains for the seventh consecutive session.

The FTSE 100 Index looked on course to hit another 30-month high today as it chalked up gains for the seventh consecutive session.

The transformation of Durex owner SSL International into a consumer products group moved into its final phase today with the sale of its surgical gloves and antiseptics business.

The world's biggest household goods firm, Reckitt Benckiser, says it will start returning cash to investors, boosting its shares after it posted higher second-quarter profit and raised its 2003 targets.

The FTSE 100 Index was in need of a lift today as the London market paused for breath after a recent strong run.

Condoms and surgical gloves maker SSL International today said it was pitching a revamp of its Durex brand at the younger generation in an effort to boost sales.

Investors were lured back to the London market today as the benchmark FTSE 100 Index gave some signs of recovery after recent falls.

Durex-to-Scholl firm SSL International today pledged to sell its medical division and use the proceeds to reduce debt and boost the consumer arm.

The FTSE 100 Index is down 21.6 at 5113.7 at lunchtime.

The FTSE 100 Index is down 6.1 at 5130.2 at mid-morning, having lost earlier gains.