Economics / Markets

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.

In London, trading was mixed after the Bank of England kept rates on hold and Next announced good sales figures and the FTSE 100 gained 9.8 points (0.16%) to 6,270.8.

The FTSE 100 is beginning to claw back some of the sharp fall recorded on opening this morning with retailers at the forefront of gains. The index is currently 19.40 points lower (0.31%) to 6241.60.

The FTSE100 closed up 45 at 6,261 today after a strong performance from housing-related stocks including Persimmon (up 32.00) and Wolseley (up 33.50).

London markets are slightly ahead this morning after a solid session on Wall Street boosted investor confidence on another busy day of Q1 trading statements.

In London, shares gained after a major crude oil finding was announced, but a number of losses meant the FTSE 100 added just 1.5 points (0.02%) to 6,217.