Economics / Markets

Friends Provident continued to be a mainstay at the top of the FTSE leader board, but the blue-chip index struggled and finished at 5,450, down 4.6 points, or 0.08%.

The FTSE100 has had a sluggish start to the week despite smart gains for the mining giants this morning. London's blue-chip index is currently 24.70 points (0.45%) behind to 5430.10.

The Dow Jones' positive run overnight rubbed off on UK stocks this morning, driving the FTSE100 29.80 points (0.54%) higher to 5527.20.

Strong resources sector performance has driven the FTSE forward, which closes, up 62.60points (1.15%) to 551120.

Another strong start for mining stocks has driven the FTSE100 higher in mid-morning trading, up 66.30 points (1.22%) to 5514.90.

London shares fell after several days of good performance as the Bank of England predicted the economy is about to stagnate, with the FTSE 100 losing 85.9 points (1.55%) to 5,448.6.

Strong losses for US financials overnight stung UK banking stocks upon opening this morning; driving the FTSE100 34.40 points (0.62%) lower to 5500.10.

After a turbulent day, the FTSE has made marginal losses, down 7.30 points (0.13%) to 5534.50.

The rate of CPI inflation hit 4.4pc in July, up from 3.8pc in June and more than twice the target 2pc level.

Investors in US equities should begin constructively taking on additional risk, according to BlackRock vice chairman Bob Doll.