Economics / Markets

In London, market climbed on news of a potential takeover of HBOS banking group, with the FTSE 100 adding 85.8 points (1.6%) to 5,449.9.

Falling crude oil prices and a strong financials sector has led to a fast start for the FTSE100 this morning, currently 1.28% ahead to 5432.70.

The FTSE100 has fallen sharply this morning after poor trading updates for Vodafone and pub company Enterprise Inns. London's blue-chip index is currently 77.20 points (1.43%) lower to 5327.10.

London trading recovered from earlier setbacks to end the day on a positive note, with the FTSE 100 up 27.9 points (0.525) to 5404.3.

The FTSE100 has recovered well this morning after a slow start for financials, with miners spearheading the revival. London's blue-chip index is still in the red however, 9.50 points (0.18%) lower to 5366.90.

In London, shares made further gains but the benchmark FTSE 100 index remains in bear territory, up 90.1 points (1.7%) to 5,376.4.

The global downturn this year and into 2009 is expected to be less fierce than previously feared, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) continues to dominate the FTSE100 winner's table but the index has opened tentatively, dropping 18.2 points, or 0.34%, to 5,268.1.

The FTSE100 continued its positive start on Thursday and is approaching a 3% gain just 90 minutes before the end of trading.

The FTSE100 surged on opening this morning on the back of a large bank-led market rally in the US overnight. London's blue-chip index is currently 82.80 points (1.61%) higher to 5233.40.