Economics / Markets

The FTSE 100 index gained 23.2 points, or 0.4%, to 6,370 points today, led by a buoyant mining sector and a strong start on Wall Street.

Miner BHP Billiton led the FTSE up 9 points to 6,355 in morning trading, as the Anglo-Australian giant announced massive profit rises and a $10bn share buyback programme.

The FTSE 100 index finished at a new six-year high today, gaining 28.4 points, or 0.5%, to 6,346 points, as investors chased potential bid targets higher.

Analyst upgrades to Lloyds TSB have helped the FTSE gain some 26 points to 6,343 this morning.

Analysts upgrade for a handful of stocks on the FTSE 100 dominated trading on an otherwise uneventful day, to lift the FTSE 100 index by seven points or 0.1% to almost 6,318.

The FTSE 100 index has ended the day up 28.7 points, or 0.46%, to 6,310.9, as a poor mining sector failed to offset gains by supermarkets.

Speculation surrounding a possible takeover of Sainsburys has pushed the FTSE up by 29.7 points, or 0.47%, to 6,311.9 in early trading.

The FTSE 100 has ended the day up 79.1 points, or 1.28%, to 6,282.2, as a string of upbeat broker comments and trading statements left the index with no losers.

The FTSE 100 is up 66.6 points, or 1.07%, to 6,269.7, with the index boosted by the US Federal Reserve's decision to keep interest rates on hold.

The FTSE 100 index fell 38.9 points, or 0.6%, to 6,230 points today, as weak insurance stocks overshadowed an agreed takeover for Corus.