Strong earnings figures from Apple and investment bank Morgan Stanley whetted investors' appetite for risk today but failed to keep the London market out of the red.

The FTSE 100 Index broke a three-day losing streak today despite another turbulent session for beleaguered oil giant BP.

The FTSE 100 Index held its ground above the 5200 mark today to close at its highest level for more than a year.

Investors took home some of their profits today as the London market slipped into the red and financial stocks fell after last week’s surge.

Centrica shares raced ahead today as investors backed its £2.3bn (€2.55bn) deal for a 20% stake in future nuclear generation projects in the UK.

Banks stormed ahead in trading today pulling the London market up to strong gains.

Banking shares continued their rally today after a City firm said fears of further nationalisations in the sector looked to be overdone.

The FTSE 100 Index held on to its New Year rally today as retail cheer helped offset more bad news for the economy.

The FTSE 100 Index struggled to make headway today as worries over the impact of an alleged 50 billion US dollar (£33 billion) Wall Street fraud weighed on the market.

London’s leading share index remained in the red today despite a late session boost from Wall Street.

The London market sank into the red today as falling oil prices overshadowed advances from caterer Compass and platinum specialist Johnson Matthey.

A volatile session for the FTSE 100 Index saw blue chips claw back the worst of their losses today as a bright start on Wall Street cheered investors.

The FTSE 100 Index enjoyed its second winning session in a row today as news of a £5bn (€6.3bn) takeover move in the mining sector helped boost blue chips.

The Bank of England’s decision to keep interest rates at 5% failed to hold back banking and property stocks from making advances on the London market today.

Materials technology firm Johnson Matthey led the London market higher today as bid rumours swirled around the blue-chip stock.

The FTSE 100 Index endured a sluggish session today after downgrades for leading blue-chips including banking giant Barclays.

London's leading shares retreated today as nerves over record oil prices overshadowed trading.

The London market retreated today despite having come within touching point of the September 2000 highs earlier in the session.

The London market slumped in afternoon trading today after a poor opening on Wall Street knocked investor sentiment.

A robust start to the interim results season failed to kickstart the London market today, with retailing and mining stocks among those on the back foot.

The FTSE 100 Index rallied today to recover earlier losses sparked off by selling in US bond markets and fears of higher interest rates.

Banking stocks were under pressure today after Halifax Bank of Scotland sparked concerns over difficult trading in its mortgages arm.

The London market started the week on the front foot today as investor confidence returned after recent wobbles over Chinese stocks and global interest rates.

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

New rules on heavy duty diesel emissions helped pollution control specialist Johnson Matthey deliver double-digit growth in full-year profits in the Uk today.

Fears over the US economy dragged the London market into the red today.

A bullish mood on Wall Street helped buoy the London market to close at its highest level for almost seven years today.

Profit taking and weaker metal prices caused the mining sector to drag on the London market today, while fading hopes of a bid battle for supermarket giant Sainsbury did little to cheer investors.

The UK benchmark index enjoyed a late rally today after benefiting from a strong surge in mining company shares.

A major deal in the housebuilding sector ensured the second-tier FTSE 250 Index stole a march on its top flight counterpart today.

The London market held firm today despite soaring levels of inflation raising the prospect of a further hike in interest rates.

Improved sales of eco-friendly devices to cut car emissions helped catalysts specialist Johnson Matthey post a boost in profits today.

The early take-up of devices to reduce car emissions prompted catalysts specialist Johnson Matthey to sound a upbeat note on prospects today.

Fears of rising interest rates in the United States returned to haunt investors as the FTSE 100 Index drifted into the red today.

Losses by a string of miners sent the FTSE 100 Index sharply into reverse today.

The London market dropped below the 5700 barrier today as strong Christmas trading at Marks & Spencer failed to shield the retailer from profit taking.

The FTSE 100 Index made further gains today despite softer oil prices weighing heavily on energy stocks.

A sharp fall in the shares of drugs giant GlaxoSmithKline today prevented the FTSE 100 Index from closing at a four-year high.

The London market ended the week camped in positive territory after investors shook off fresh gloom in the DIY sector today.

A further rise in the cost of oil helped the FTSE 100 Index hold on above the key 5000 barrier today.

The London market held its own above the 4800 level today following positive corporate and economic news in New York.

London shares overcame the absence of any trading activity in the United States to return to winning form today.

Speculation about a takeover battle for Sainsbury’s helped keep top flight shares above the key 4500 support level today.

The FTSE 100 Index built on modest gains made earlier in the session to close 12.5 points up at 4505.8 thanks to rising oil prices and upbeat retail news.