The FTSE 100 Index kept up its resilient streak today amid expectations that US policymakers will launch a new stimulus plan later today.

Transport giant FirstGroup lost more than a fifth of its stock market value today after an embarrassing British government u-turn dealt a blow to its hopes of running the West Coast franchise.

The British transport group that beat Richard Branson’s Virgin Rail to win the West Coast main line today said it still expected to commence the franchise as scheduled despite a legal challenge.

David Cameron, the British prime minister, must intervene in the row over the West Coast Mainline contract to “get some sense” into the Department for Transport over the controversial deal, Richard Branson urged yesterday.

Richard Branson today offered to run the West Coast Main Line for free to allow Parliament time to scrutinise an “outrageous” decision to award the franchise to rival FirstGroup.

A passenger using an electronic cigarette which gives off a vapour caused armed police to swoop on a coach in a terror alert which closed a motorway for more than four hours.

Banking stocks suffered more heavy losses today as the latest wave of market turmoil wiped another 2.5% from the value of the FTSE 100 Index.

World markets suffered heavy declines today amid fresh fears over Japan's ongoing nuclear crisis and a lacklustre start to the US earnings season.

Takeover talk surrounding a raft of blue chip stocks was not enough to offset the impact of a stronger dollar on commodity shares today as the London market edged lower.

The FTSE 100 Index was dragged lower by commodity stocks today as results from blue-chip miner Eurasian Natural Resources fuelled fears over the recovery.

Mining firms led the FTSE 100 Index lower by midday today as the takeover buzz in the sector fizzled out in London and metal prices dipped.

BP kept the FTSE 100 Index in positive territory today after shares jumped 7% on takeover and deal speculation involving the beleaguered oil major.

The FTSE 100 Index lost ground for the second session in a row today after US home sales plunged to a record low during May.

The London market struggled for direction today as the UK's Pre-Budget Report failed to shock while concerns continued over the world economic recovery.

Persistent fears over the US economy sparked a sell-off on world stock markets today as yesterday’s cheer over the end of America’s recession proved short-lived.

The London market was in subdued mood today despite cheer elsewhere over the US pulling out of recession.

The London market gained more than 1% today as investors hailed the end of recession in the United States.

The economic storm clouds lifted for the London market today after figures signalled the end of recession in the United States.

The FTSE 100 Index pushed to a fresh 13-month high today as investors were cheered by strong results from a raft of US companies.

Mining and property firms helped the FTSE 100 Index to rally by more than 1% today as the London market’s recent strong run showed no signs of ending.

The FTSE 100 Index dipped into negative territory today after poor earnings from US groups General Electric and Bank of America knocked investor confidence.

British investors were given a jolt today after new research showed signs of a stalling in the recovery of the manufacturing sector.

The London market extended its winning streak to an eleventh day today after a late climb into the black.

The London market was making little headway today as top-flight stocks sought a record-equalling eleventh winning session in a row.

The FTSE 100 Index pushed ahead today as better-than-expected overseas news cheered investors.

Further pressure on banking stocks and more mixed economic data combined to keep the FTSE 100 Index close to its opening mark today.

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.

Investors shrugged off fresh economic gloom today as the FTSE 100 Index built on yesterday’s 6% surge with further gains.

More dire figures from the UK manufacturing sector did little to dampen the mood of investors today as the London market rallied from early losses.

Stock markets rallied strongly today as investors looked to a fresh set of measures to help the ailing global economy.

Shares in transport firms were plunged into reverse today after blue-chip firm Stagecoach warned `

Stagecoach shares went into reverse today after the transport company warned of downward pressure on profits in its rail division.

The FTSE 100 Index’s six-day winning streak came to an end today as investors took profits after recent gains.

A six-session winning run for the FTSE 100 Index looked set to end today after European markets suffered losses of around 2%.

The London market surged more than 4% today as investors banked on an aggressive cut in interest rates later in the week.

The FTSE 100 Index jumped 8% today as hopes for another round of interest rate cuts led to the third biggest gain in the benchmark’s history.

London’s FTSE 100 Index surged 5% today after banks and insurers enjoyed strong gains on expectations of further heavy interest rate cuts.

The FTSE 100 Index endured a second day of losses after amid continued doubts over the US Government’s bank bail-out plans today.

Broadcaster ITV and Carphone Warehouse are to be evicted from the FTSE 100 Index after the latest quarterly reshuffle, it was confirmed today.

Broadband provider Carphone Warehouse and broadcaster ITV were today among the blue-chip firms facing possible relegation from the FTSE 100 Index.

The FTSE 100 Index reached its highest point for nearly two months today as better-than-expected US growth figures cheered traders.

Stronger banking stocks helped shelter the London market from concerns about the impact of tropical storm Gustav today.

A £4.5bn fundraising move from Barclays lifted bank shares to drive the London market forward today.

Barclays’ £4.5bn (€5.7bn) fundraising announcement boosted the UK banking sector and helped put the London market on the front foot today.