Dow Jones

The FTSE 100 index struggled to stay afloat by close of business in London today but kept above the water line thanks mainly to telecoms firms Cable & Wireless and British Airways.

The FTSE 100 index has started solidly this morning, adding 9.1 points to 4852.3 points, as Cable & Wireless continues its rally.

The FTSE 100 index had a much improved day and added 30.7 points to a total of 4,843.2 by close of trading today.

The FTSE 100 index has started solidly this morning, adding 15.4 points to 4,827.9 points, led by Cable & Wireless, after the firm reported its fiscal third-quarter sales fell less than analysts expected.

In the UK, the FTSE 100 Index has recovered from a rickety start this morning, led up 9.20 points to 4,812.50 by mining firm Rio Tinto, after another estimate that iron ore and coking coal prices will rise through this year.

A government report revealing the worst Christmas spending since 1981 had threatened to dampen the spirits of traders today, but the FTSE managed to close up by the end of the week.

In the UK, the FTSE 100 Index is trading about a point up from yesterday at 4,802.

The FTSE 100 index closed just a fraction over the 4800 mark this afternoon, after brewer SABMiller revealed it was looking at at new acquisition.

Poor trading in the US has helped push the FTSE 100 index below the 4,800 level.

The FTSE 100 index closed a fraction lower by close of business on Wednesday paced by Imperial Tobacco Group.