Economics / Markets

The FTSE100 closed a volatile week up 40.7 to 6091.4, boosted by travel stocks.

The FTSE rose 27.5 points, or 0.45%, to 6078.2 this morning as lower oil prices boosted travel group FirstGroup .

In London, markets declined significantly before making a slight recovery before closing and the FTSE 100 lost 37.5 (0.62%) to 6,046.1.

In London, markets declined after the economy's weakness was outlined by reports from housebuilders and banks and the FTSE dropped 83.3 points (1.37%) to 6,000.3.

A late rally led by the strong energy and mining sectors drove the FTSE 100 higher this afternoon, closing Wednesday 48.90 points (0.81%) ahead to 6083.60.

Banks are taking a beating in London this morning, but the FTSE 100 is once again being kept afloat by strong miners. The index is up 16.10 points (0.27%) 6050.80 so far.

In London, market closed down after a rights issue by RBS affected a number of UK banks and the FTSE 100 lost 28.40 (0.47%) to 6,024.6.

The RBS rights issue details and subsequent slide has smashed the financials sector in morning trading, sending the FTSE 100 8.50 points (0.14%) lower to 6044.50.

The FTSE100 had a choppy start to the week rising to almost 6090 before 8.00am but then falling to 6059.70, just above the level at which it closed on Friday.

The FTSE100 closed the week above the 6,000 mark for the first time in February which should help boost investor confidence in troubled times.