Economics / Markets

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%.

The FTSE 100 is benefiting from a strong night on Wall St, up 38.90 points, or 0.60% to 6566.50 - in early trading.

Mortgage giant Northern Rock has crumbled in early trading, pushing the FTSE 100 down 37.90 points, or 0.58% to 6521.40.

Trading in London was dominated by news BAE Systems is to be investigated by the US Justice Department, with the stock dragging the FTSE100 down 29.1 points or 0.44% to 6559.30.

In London, the FTSE 100 fell in early trading after falls in the US and Japanese markets, down 39 points, or 0.59%, to 6,549.4.