A dramatic slide for share prices worldwide today killed off any hopes that markets could be on the mend after the recent banking crisis.

Surging demand for the latest blockbuster video games and consoles has so far belied the squeals of pain from other retailers facing up to a high street squeeze.

Blue chip banks suffered heavy losses on the London market today as fresh fears over Barclays’ balance sheet put the sector under pressure.

Further signs of gloom on the UK high street emerged today with a report showing the number of retailers reporting downbeat trading hit its highest level in two years in the last three months of 2007.

Retail stocks rallied the London market today as the FTSE 100 Index recovered from a difficult start to the week.

Currys and PC World owner DSG International warned of an uncertain outlook today as it unveiled a 25% fall in first-half profits.

The London market’s winning run came to a halt today as nerves over major banks overshadowed trading.

The London market slumped into negative territory today in response to a poor opening on Wall Street after more bad news on the US housing market.

London’s blue-chips made firm advances today as financial and housebuilding stocks returned to form.

Banking stocks enjoyed a welcome rebound today after renewed hopes of a bid for crisis-hit Northern Rock lifted sentiment in the sector.

London’s blue chips were on the front foot today after a rally in US markets lifted investor sentiment on this side of the Atlantic.

Currys and PC World owner DSG International said today that persistent summer downpours had helped boost sales of flat screen TVs and laptops.

The FTSE 100 Index held firm above the 6100 barrier today as mining stocks provided some stability from the recent turmoil.

The London market is on the back foot after overnight falls on Wall Street and continued interest rate fears hit blue chip stocks.

Vodafone helped steer a recovery today following a heavy fall for the London market in its previous session.

Currys owner DSG International unveiled a rising star of Tesco’s management team as its new chief executive today.

Currys owner DSG International said today it had uncovered a “significant fraud” at its French online business Fotovista.

The FTSE 100 Index was in negative territory today after traders in New York returned from the public holiday in downbeat mood.

Chris Eubank has been getting all domestic in the Big Brother house.