The London market ended today firmly in the black after overcoming fresh concerns about interest rates.

Blue-chip shares made further strides today as the FTSE 100 Index looked on course to finish the week at a higher level than on Monday morning.

London's leading shares have made modest gains but looked set for a decline over the week as the FTSE 100 Index remained below the high point set on Monday.

London's benchmark FTSE 100 Index has made modest gains as top flight telecoms stocks and weaker-than-expected figures from advertising giant WPP curbed a stronger rise.