The UK’s largest estate agency chain today confirmed it had received a preliminary takeover approach from an unnamed suitor.

The FTSE 100 Index broke the 5600 barrier for the first time in four years today as hopes for a strong 2006 continued to build.

The UK’s largest homebuilder and a Kazakh copper mine were promoted to the FTSE 100 Index tonight at the expense of household names Whitbread and William Hill.

Ports and ferries group P&O tonight won the race to replace BPB in the ranks of the UK’s top 100 companies after the plasterboard maker stopped trading following a foreign takeover.

Disappointing results by British Land today meant the London market was unable to build on a recent rally that has driven it to four-high highs.

London’s leading shares managed to scrape into positive territory today after a boost from oil and energy stocks.

Companies in the energy and oil industries were today powering the FTSE 100 Index to its highest level in a month.

The FTSE 100 Index moved closer to a new four-year high today after gains by stocks such as takeover target Scottish Power lifted spirits.

Renewed bid speculation involving a top flight stock helped the FTSE 100 Index nudge closer to its highest level in more than three years today.

DIY firm Kingfisher led the FTSE 100 Index higher today as renewed bid speculation caused investors to pile into its shares.

Stronger mining stocks were the driving force for the London market today as the FTSE 100 Index finished well above the 4800 barrier.

The FTSE 100 Index pushed ahead today after the market benefited from a flurry of buying interest in the mining sector.

Jitters over the closeness of the US presidential election and high oil prices hampered the London market’s progress today.

Fears that the US election will be decided in the courts rather than the ballot box were helping to undermine confidence among investors today.

The London market spent a second session in the red today as poor weekly jobless data in the US snuffed out hopes of an afternoon rally.

London’s blue-chip shares approached the release of crucial US economic data in robust mood today.

London’s leading shares closed in positive territory today after drawing encouragement from a burst of activity on Wall Street.

London’s FTSE 100 Index remained close to its opening mark today as investors struggled to find reasons to enter the market.

TRADING in the Jurys Doyle Hotel chain has matched expectations for the months of September and October.