Dow Jones

In the UK, the FTSE 100 Index has started off well this morning raising about 16.7 points to 4810.6 points, breaking the long awaited 4800 barrier.

The FTSE 100 closed up at its highest level in almost 2½ years by close of business on Friday, as the index ended just six points from the 4800 threshold.

The FTSE 100 Index has closed almost a percentage point high this afternoon, up 42.40 points at 4,776.90 for its third successive day of gains.

In London the FTSE 100 has opened down by about 1 point to 4,733 points after Asian markets stumbled on poor machine order figures in Japan.

London's benchmark FTSE index capped a good day today led by Cable & Wireless and Rio Tinto, closing up 16.80 points at 4,734.50.

London's benchmark stock market index, the FTSE 100, has started well this morning picking up 20.6 points to 4738.30 points thanks to Cable & Wireless.

The FTSE 100 index declined a fraction this afternoon but pulled back to close almost flat at 4717.7 points, supported by a late rally from Associated British Foods

UK stocks have gained this morning, with the FTSE 100 trading up about 5 points to 4,721.

British Airways has announced its half year results, with the result that the FTSE 100 has slipped about 14 points 4,726.

UK stocks are trading well this morning as the FTSE 100 Index is up about 18 points to a new 28 month high of 4,746 with lower crude prices providing a shot in the arm for oil-dependent stocks.