The FTSE 100 Index ended a volatile week with a whimper yesterday as shares struggled for direction on both sides of the Atlantic.

London shares edged higher in midmorning trades, underpinned by another positive session on Wall Street last night, and fuelled by a resurgence of interest in technology stocks following Dell's Q2 figures overnight, dealers said.

The future of Vizzavi - the £1bn (€1.56bn) internet joint venture between Vivendi Universal and Vodafone Group PLC - was uncertain this weekend as the cash crisis at Vivendi worsened and the online group was forced to appoint an emergency chairman, it was claimed today.

Leading shares remained weak but were off their worst levels in cautious midday trading, aided by a Wall Street opening which, while directionless, was slightly better than had been previously indicated, dealers said.