Economics / Markets

The FTSE100 is up 26.80 and edging closer to 6000 at 5918.10 this morning, aided by a 31.00 increase for British Energy .

High metal prices and escalating crude oil costs softened the losses for the FTSE 100 today, closing 24.60 points (0.42%) down to 5891.30.

The FTSE 100 is fighting back from a sluggish start this morning, with the mining and resources sector again leading the way. The blue-chip index is currently 3.50 points lower (0.06%) to 5912.40.

The FTSE has opened unexpectedly slowly after strong gains across Europe, Asia and the US yesterday sparked talk the worst of the credit crunch may be over.

A promising opening on the FTSE has seen the index climb 41.3 points, or 0.72%, to 5,743.4.

The FTSE fell 4.1 points, or 0.07%, to 5688.8 this afternoon as ITV continued to fall following reports the UK advertising market had dipped.

The FTSE fell 77.5 points, or 1.36%, to 5615.4 this morning as analysts' recommendations to sell led to losses for ITV , Vodafone and British Airways .

The FTSE100 was down 24.60 points at 5,692.90 at the close of the week as UK property giants, including Persimmon and Barratt , slumped on the news house prices fell for a fifth consecutive month.

The FTSE100 is currently up 21.70 at 5739.20 led by a strong performance from Enterprise Inns .

The FTSE rose 53.8 points, or 0.95%, to 5714.2 as Persimmon led gains. The house builder rose 51 points, or 6.92%, to 788.5.