Economics / Markets

The FTSE 100 has broken back through the 6,400 barrier ending the session with gains of 20.6 points, or 0.32%, to 6,401.5, as investors focused on commodity and utility stocks.

The FTSE began slowly on Friday, dropping 0.36% to 6357.9. Early gainers included power supply firm Drax Group, which was up 1.33% to 725.5p. This was closely followed by BP, which is up 1.25% to 527p, and Sainsbury's, up 0.97% to 520p.

The FTSE 100 has ended the session up 23.8 points, or 0.37%, to 6,380.9, as positive mining stocks and well-received results news pushed the index higher.

The FTSE 100 has ended the day down 55.2 points, or 0.86%, to 6,357.1 as miners offset gains by financial stocks.

London's leading shares opened fairly high, despite the effect of a weaker mining sector, as bullish banks secured early gains.

The FTSE 100 has ended the day down 32.1 points, or 0.5%, to 6,412.3, as poor results news from drinks companies and a bad start to Wall Street failed to rally the index.

The FTSE 100 index rose 24.9 points, or 0.4%, to 6,444 points today - a fresh six-year high - as mining stocks gained on the back of rising metal prices.

The FTSE 100 is up 27.2 points, or 0.42% to 6,446.7 in early trading as miners lead the way after metal prices have steadied.

The FTSE 100 index has ended the day down 13.8 points, or 0.21%, to 6,419.5, as there are now fears China may reduce demand for commodities and affect the revenue potential of mining firms.