Economics / Markets

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.

The FTSE 100 is only slightly up 3.5 points, or 0.05%, to 6,436.8 in early trading, as miners offset positive performance news from Compass.

The FTSE 100 index gained 12.10 points, or 0.2%, to 6,433 points today, with Reed Elsevier the top performer.

The FTSE 100 index is down 10.4 points, or 0.16%, to 6,410.8 in early trading, as the index has fallen back from yesterday's six-year highs.

The FTSE 100 index has ended the day above the 6,400 mark with gains of 39.4 points, or 0.62%, to 6,421.2, as bid speculation, stronger positions for mining firms and positive news from the US all combined to push the index higher.

The FTSE 100 index is up 9.6 points or 0.15% to 6,391.4, as continued bid speculation is pushing the index higher.