Dow Jones

The FTSE 100 has ended above the 5,400 mark for the first time in a month, ending 73.3 points, or 1.37%, higher at 5,431.9, after a batch of well-received trading figures calmed inflation concerns.

Good results from chemicals group ICI and an upbeat trading statement from Rentokil has given the FTSE 100 an early boost, with gains of 27.1 points, or 0.51%, to 5,385.7.

The FTSE 100 has kept its gains, ending 14.3 points higher, or 0.27%, to 5358.60, at its close a short time ago, after bid hopes at Compass and buoyant banks helped cancel out losses at O2.

The FTSE 100 is on the rise for the fourth session in a row on as it is currently up 9.3 points, or 0.17% to 5353.60, with Royal and Sun Alliance leading the gains.

The FTSE 100 ended on a high for the third day after it rose 27 points, or 0.51%, to 5344.3, after strong performances from PartyGaming.com and Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Group.

The FTSE 100 is making a slow start this morning as it has inched up by 6.4 points, or 0.12%, to 5323.70, despite declines by BP and Royal Dutch Shell as the price of oil is trading at a three-month low.

The FTSE 100 has ended up 103.90 points, or 1.99%, to 5317.30 after reports of a number of takeover bids sent stocks of O2 soaring.

The FTSE 100 has made a strong start to the day with a rise of 67.40 points, or 1.29%, to 5280.80, led higher by gains for O2 and P&O after both companies received takeover approaches.

After a topsy-turvy day the FTSE has ended on a high moving up 30.60 points, or 0.59% to close at 5213.40 after reports of good GDP growth in the US gave a last minute boost to the index.

The FTSE 100 Index fell 0.9% to 5182.8, as more than four-fifths of the benchmark's members fell.