Economics / Markets

In London, the FTSE 100 fell slightly in early trading despite rising metal prices and the index fell by 26 points, or 0.39%, to 6,647.1.

THE Bank of England has raised UK interest rates from 5.5% to 5.75%, its fifth rate rise in under a year.

The FTSE 100 closed up 33.3 points, or 0.5%, to 6673.1 today - on news British Airways' trans-Atlantic travel demand has fallen.

The race is on to snap up hotel stocks in London this morning, as news of Blackstone's $26bn deal to buy Hilton in the US filters through.

In London, the FTSE 100 was buoyed by good news in the US manufacturing sector, up 49.2 points, or 0.75%, to 6,639.8.

News of a strong morning on Wall Street has regained a little late ground for the FTSE 100, but the index still closed the day down 17.3 points, or 0.26%, to 6590.6.

The FTSE started the week at a drop, falling 25.7 points, or 0.39%, to 6582.20p.

Northern Rock has started to claw back the major losses incurred earlier in the week - driving the FTSE 100 up 36.60 points, or 0.56%, to close the week at 6607.9.

The FTSE 100 is struggling in early trading, with property groups pushing the index down 26.80 points, or 0.41%, to 6544.50.

The FTSE 100 closed at 6571.30 this evening after jumping 43.7 points, or 0.67%.