London’s blue chip share index soared almost 2% today amid encouraging news on the US housing market and a new record for gold prices.

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

Embattled transport group National Express saw shares race ahead today after news of a higher £765m (€875m) takeover approach from its biggest shareholder.

The London market capped its tenth consecutive day of gains today after investors pushed ahead with the strongest rally for the market in more than five years.