Dow Jones

FTSE 100 stocks have started well this morning boosted by the overnight performance of the Dow Jones, with the index here up about 24 poits to 4,848.

The FTSE 100 Index has performed steadily today, gaining 18.30 to 4,824.30 after a disappointing day yesterday.

UK stocks have recovered slightly from a slip yesterday, sending the FTSE 100 index up about 17 points to 4,822 this morning.

Losses put the FTSE 100 index at 4,806 after shedding 41 points in a morning dominated by poor news from the retail sector and fears of US rates increases.

In the UK, the FTSE 100 Index is trading 35 points down to 4,812 points this morning, paced by retail clothes outfit Next, which announced a cut in its profits forecasts as a result of excess stock.

The FTSE 100 Index gained 32.70 points to 4,847, its highest level in two years, paced by Shire Pharmaceuticals.

In the UK, the FTSE 100 Index is up about 8 points to 4,822 this morning led by Shire Pharmaceuticals, up 4%, or 22.5p to 569.5p.

The FTSE 100 index had another strong day's trading ahead of the Christmas break, as Cairn Energy and money managers made the best of the gains.

The UK's FTSE 100 Index has climbed 34.2 points to 4767.2 points, buoyed by the Christmas stock cheer in the US.

The FTSE 100 index has started well again this morning adding 5.6 points to 4736.70 points.