The London market looked set to avoid its third consecutive session of losses today as gains by oil firms boosted momentum.

The London market staged a late rally today to overcome dismay at the worst Christmas sales data for more than 20 years.

Pressure from sky-high oil prices and a downbeat mood across the Atlantic conspired to send the London market further into the red today.

The London market spent a second session in the red today as poor weekly jobless data in the US snuffed out hopes of an afternoon rally.

A late-afternoon rally by London shares failed to lift the FTSE 100 Index back above the 4400 barrier today.

Doubts about the strength of the UK economy failed to stop London shares finishing in positive territory today.

The London market saw its recent bumpy run continue today following a negative response to full-year results from heavyweight Vodafone.

The London stock market suffered its worst session in more than a month today as worries over US interest rates and oil prices hit confidence.

SHARES in British mobile phone giant Vodafone fell more than 3% yesterday after the City came out against a mooted £18 billion expansion in North America.