Economics / Markets

In London, markets climbed after British Airways reported strong results, and the FTSE 100 added 52.5 points (0.84%) to 6,304.3.

The remainder of this summer will be characterised by a surge in rights issues as companies brace themselves for the combined challenges of a slowing economy and rising inflation, says RLAM's Martin Cholwill.

The FTSE 100 has started well this morning as Wall Street gains and strong company reports boost week ending investor confidence. The index is 43.60 points (0.7%) ahead to 6295.40.

In London, markets made modest gains despite further problems in the banking sector and the FTSE 100 added 35.8 (0.58%) to 6,251.8.

Royal Bank of Scotland suffered a near 15% drop in share value in early trading on Thursday after its shareholders gave approval for the biggest rights issue in British corporate history.

London markets are once again relying on the mining sector to keep afloat this morning; the FTSE 100 is currently 10.60 points (0.17%) ahead to 6222.50.

Alliance & Leicester remained at the top of the FTSE loser's table at the close of play on Tuesday, shipping 51.75p, or 10.14%, to close on 458.75.

London markets have opened ahead this morning with the FTSE 100 up 13.70 points (0.22%) to 6234.30, despite some poor figures filtering through from Alliance & Leicester.

In London, market closed slightly up as crude oil prices continued to reach new highs and the FTSE 100 climbed 15.9 points (0.26%) to 6,220.60.

The FTSE 100 has started well this morning with the retail and mining sectors again topping demand, the index is currently up 37.20 points (0.6%) to 6241.90.