Economics / Markets

The FTSE made a slight recovery this evening but still lost its 6,000+ status, finishing down 87.6p, or 1.45%, on 5,970.

The UK will be spared an economic downturn this year, but a recession next year or in 2010 remains possible, according to New Star's chief economist, Simon Ward.

The FTSE suffered a mini-collpase in early trading on Wednesday, dropping around 100 points by mid-day, as investors reacted to a late sell-off on Wall Street.

The FTSE shut this evening up 50.10 points, or 0.83%, finishing on and index value of 6,057.70 at the end of trading.

A positive FTSE100 is defying the odds this morning amid 24-hours of strong losses to global stock markets. The blue chip index is currently 16.80 points (0.28%) ahead to 6024.40.

The FTSE 100 closed 0.76% lower at 6007.60, fuelled by massive falls in banking stocks.

The FTSE100 is poised to dip under 6,000 this morning after some major losses to banking stocks in early trading. The index is currently 53.10 points (0.88%) lower to 6,000.40.

The FTSE100 has opened flat this morning as thriving insurance companies balance out losses to the mining and oil sectors. The index is currently just 8 points (0.13%) behind to 6060.10.

Shares in homebuilder Persimmon plunged 26p to 487.5p by the close of play on Thursday, helping take the FTSE into the red.

The FTSE100 has started in fine fashion this morning with oil, energy and mining stocks again sharing the spoils. The blue-chip index is currently 53.90 points (0.89%) ahead to 6123.50.