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.

The FTSE 100 Index ended the day on a negative note today after failing to maintain the three-and-a-half year highs reached earlier in the week.

The editor of the Financial Times newspaper, Andrew Gowers, has said the paper stands behind its reporting of a legal dispute between British stockbroker Collins Stewart Tullett and former employee James Middleweek.