Economics / Markets

The FTSE 100 index has started the day down 18.6 points or 0.3% to 6,221.3, as weak metal prices is putting pressure on the mining sector.

The FTSE 100 has ended the day up 11.9 points, or 0.19%, to 6,239.9, as early gains were tempered by weak energy and mining stocks.

Rising oil prices on cold weather has helped the FTSE up about 6 points to 6,234 this morning.

The FTSE 100 has ended the day down 41.3 points, or 0.66%, to 6,228, as miners slipped on strike fears.

The FTSE 100 is down 22.7 points, or 0.36%, to 6,246.6 in early trading as energy and commodity stocks move lower.

F&C Investments multi-manager Julie Dent has predicted Asian companies will bounce back from last year's currency problems to become strong performers in 2007.

THE EUROPEAN biotech industry is at a critical stage in its cycle, according to the investment manager of the International Biotechnology trust (IBT).

STEPHEN Whittaker, New Star joint chief investment officer and manager of the £593m UK Growth fund, has struck a more upbeat note than many commentators on the prospects for the UK market in 2007.

The FTSE 100 index has ended the day down 45.5 points or 0.72% to 6,269.3, on a weak utility sector and a poor opening on Wall Street.

The FTSE 100 index is continuing its gains from yesterday with a rise of 8.6 points or 0.14% to 6,323.4 in early trading, with property companies leading the charge.