Economics / Markets

The FTSE 100 has opened strongly this morning on the back of solid mining gains and a boost to tour operators. The index is currently 85.90 points ahead (1.48%) to 5874.80.

The FTSE fell 128.1 points, or 2.18%, to 5740.9p as traders' fears for the global economy linger this afternoon.

The FTSE fell 61.1 points, or 1.04%, this morning to 5807.9p as fears over the impact of the US recession on global markets continue.

The FTSE reacted positively to news from the US of a $150bn relief plan revealed by George Bush.

Financials were firmly back in favour in London today, with the FTSE 100 posting a strong 266.50 point rise (4.75%) to 5875.80.

The London Stock Exchange Group made remarkable gains in early trading on Thursday to drive the FTSE 100 up by 2.77% to 5,764.7.

In London, markets suffered a further setback as investors feared the Fed's rate cuts will not be enough to stave of a recession across the Atlantic and the FTSE 100 closed down 97.6 points (1.7%) to 5,642.5.

In London, an initial rally failed to halt the market turbulence of the past few days and the FTSE 100 was down 73.3 points (1.28%) by mid-morning to 5666.8.

In London, markets began to recover after heavy losses yesterday and some equally dire losses in early trading. The Fed's decision to cut US interest rates helped boost the market and the FTSE 100 closed up 165 points (2.96%) to 5,743.2.

THE Dow Jones is suffering heavy losses in the wake yesterday of the biggest fall in stock markets since September 11, 2001, but Asia has been hardest hit.