The FTSE 100 Index lost ground today as gloom in the banking sector and more economic woes across the Atlantic rattled investors.

Energy companies took a tumble today after regulator Ofgem opened an inquiry into the electricity and gas supply markets.

Strong gains in the mining sector helped the London market regain its poise today after yesterday’s heavy losses.

Blue chip stocks saw more heavy losses today as disappointment over the Bank of England’s quarter-point interest rate cut sent the London market plummeting 2.6%.

The London market made steady gains today as investors fled to safe-haven pharmaceutical stocks.

Upbeat trading news from Lloyds TSB saw the bank make strong gains today but failed to provide direction on the wider London market.

The London market moved closer to the 6,600 barrier today, despite losses from property stocks after British Land shelved the sale of a stake in Meadowhall shopping mall.

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.

The London market slumped in afternoon trading today after a poor opening on Wall Street knocked investor sentiment.

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

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.

The London market suffered losses of near to 1% today after a poor finish on Wall Street took its toll.

The London market brushed aside a fresh scare on interest rates today before succumbing to a late sell-off as oil and mining stocks weakened.

Marks & Spencer led the FTSE 100 Index forward today with a stellar performance as strong half-year figures from the resurgent retailer sent its shares to a record high.

Marks & Spencer shares hit a new record today as investors celebrated a sparkling set of half-year figures from the resurgent retailer.

The London market made further progress today as the Dow Jones Industrial Average traded above 12,000 for the second session running in New York.

Investors received a shot in the arm today after the FTSE 100 Index followed the lead of US markets to rise by more than 100 points.

Outsourcing group Capita added more than £250 million to its market value today after strong half-year results lifted its share price by 9%.

The London market was back at levels not seen for more than a month after the FTSE 100 Index slipped below the 6000 barrier today.

The London market basked at a level not seen for five years today as investors brushed aside worries about the latest rise in oil prices.

Strong results from some of Europe’s heavyweight companes ensured the FTSE 100 Index surged back to a four-and-a-half-year high today.

The FTSE 100 Index overcame a tentative start to move back within touching distance of the 5800 barrier today.

The FTSE 100 Index edged forward today despite further trouble for mining stocks amid falling commodity prices.

London’s leading shares lost sight of gains notched up in a New Year rally today as miners and utilities fell out of favour.

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.

Potential blows to the profits of the UK’s heavyweight companies kept investors away from the London market today.

Rising energy stocks put the FTSE 100 Index back within a whisker of the 5300 barrier today.

The FTSE 100 Index fell into the red today as record profits by BP and hopes of an interest rate cut failed to excite investors.

The FTSE 100 Index extended a recent rally today to start the second half of the year on a positive footing.

The four-day winning streak of the FTSE 100 Index came to an end today following a weak performance by oil stocks and further losses on Wall Street.

Investors eyeing a potential £7.2bn takeover of drinks giant Allied Domecq helped stir the London market back into life today.

A potential takeover offer for drinks giant Allied Domecq today helped the FTSE 100 Index to bed in above the 4900 barrier.

The FTSE 100 Index celebrated a major landmark today as it broke through the 5000 barrier before slipping back.

The FTSE 100 Index showed no signs of losing its recent strength today as takeover speculation drove it to a new two-and-a-half year high.

The FTSE 100 Index overcame a poor start to trading across the Atlantic and a spike in the oil price to return to winning form today.

The threat to investor confidence from rising oil prices was exposed today as the London market racked up heavy losses for a second session in a row.

Falling oil prices and some respite for the weakening US dollar helped prop up the London market today.

London shares ended the week on a low note after worse-than-expected US economic news left traders downbeat on Wall Street.

Interest rates dominated the thinking of investors on both sides of the Atlantic today as London shares spent a second day in the red.

Morale among investors in London continued to improve today as the FTSE 100 Index registered its fifth session of gains in a row.

A poor start to the session on Wall Street and jitters about tomorrow’s UK inflation data left London shares firmly in the red today.

London shares came under the cosh today from growing nervousness about interest rate rises in the world’s biggest economy.

London shares took a knock from a weak start on Wall Street today but held on to close above the key 4500 level.