Economics / Markets

The FTSE100 has opened strongly this morning after yesterday's poor session, with oil groups driving the index up 38.90 points (0.63%) to 6230.50 so far.

In London, shares fell as mining firms dropped recent gains and other firms revealed disappointing sales figures, putting the FTSE 100 down 184.9 points (2.9%) 6,191.6.

A huge rights issue from Imperial Tobacco has unsettled London markets this morning, with the FTSE100 currently 47.70 points (0.75%) lower to 6328.80.

The mining sector is once again masking other areas of difficulty for FTSE100 stocks this morning; the index is currently 12.80 points (0.2%) to 6317.10.

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.