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.

Investors took stock today after the FTSE 100 Index’s best month for six years amid cautious trading on the London market.

Bank and mining shares gave the London market a post-holiday lift today after metal prices firmed and US giant Goldman Sachs smashed Wall Street expectations with quarterly profits of £1.1bn (€1.23bn).

The London market overcame recession fears to finish in positive territory today after a late session boost from Wall Street.

The London market overcame recession fears to finish in positive territory today after a late session boost from Wall Street.

A stiff hike in oil prices cast a cloud over the London market today as they helped wipe out some solid gains enjoyed during earlier trading.

A second day of gains for commodity stocks protected the London market during another difficult session for financial firms today.

The London market came through a less volatile session today as good news for blue-chip firms Vodafone and Sainsbury’s steadied investor nerves.

London’s blue chips were on the back foot today, despite a stronger showing from the retail sector.

Financial stocks led the London market to its fifth session of improvement today, following a lift in confidence across global markets.

Sainsbury's shares fell 3% today as confidence in the private equity consortium's £10bn (€14.67bn) takeover push faded among investors.

Strong oil stocks and a fresh bout of takeover speculation kept the FTSE 100 Index in positive territory today.

Weak performance from the mining sector and fading hopes of a takeover tussle for supermarket giant Sainsbury weighed heavy on the London market today.

Two of the driving forces of the London market’s recent bull run were in favour during a positive start to the week for the FTSE 100 Index today.

Water company Severn Trent starred today as the London market’s top riser after revealing plans to demerge its Biffa waste management business.

The financial sector drove the FTSE 100 Index forward today as results from Norwich Union owner Aviva and bank Standard Chartered cheered investors.

Heavy falls by mining stocks plunged the London market into the red today, despite massive gains from airport operator BAA on the back of takeover interest.