Strong figures from blue-chip heavyweights Barclays and Vodafone fuelled a further rally on the London market today.

Better-than-expected results from US investment banking giant JP Morgan failed to inspire the London market today as the FTSE 100 Index stuck close to its opening mark.

Financier Dermot Desmond has increased his stake in management buyout target (MBO) Barlo to almost 18% after the purchase of another 1.75m shares at €0.42 per share yesterday.