Economics / Markets

The FTSE 100 has dropped back below the 5,000 mark as miners suffer from profit taking on fears the rally in metal prices may have gone too far.

The Dow Jones made marginal losses in early trading on Friday despite a rise in confidence among US consumers.

London's blue chip index has passed the 5,000 points barrier once more, buoyed by optimism on Wall Street over night.

The Dow has slumped in early trading, despite optimistic figures showing more Americans are finding work.

The Bank of England has kept interest rates at 0.5% for the sixth consecutive month.

London trading got off to a positive start after the FTSE 100 rose above the psychologically important 5,000 points barrier yesterday.

The FTSE has breached the 5,000 barrier, driven forward by positive UK job statistics.

The FTSE opened lower in early exchanges on Wednesday on concerns global markets are outpacing the real rate of recovery.

The Dow Jones pushed ahead in early trade after its Labor Day recess, as the market reacted to Kraft's attempt to buy Cadbury.

London's blue chip index climbed to an 11-month high this morning, buoyed by surging miners.