Dow Jones

Demand is growing for more efficient indices

The FTSE has broken through 6,000 this morning, following a strong performance from the US with the Dow Jones soaring to a two year high.

US GDP grew to an annualised rate of 3.2% in Q4 2010, driven by consumer spending.

Leading Tokyo shares fell on Friday after ratings agency Standard & Poor's (S&P) downgraded Japan's creditworthiness.

Company updates have had a good reception but London's top share index is pausing for breath after recent strong gains.

London's leading share index was down 0.37% at 5954.39 in early trading on Thursday, stemmed by disappointing results from US companies and weakness in Asia.

A family-owned hedge fund will offer investors the chance to use Twitter posts to gauge the mood of the stockmarket.

The FTSE 100 is expected to receive a powerful boost from strong US markets overnight which hit highs last seen before the collapse of Lehman Brothers two years ago.

The FTSE 100 closed at its highest level since 2008 last night but has fallen back in today's trading following late weakness in the US.

The FTSE edged 0.1% lower to 5,853.66 points in early trading as company-specific news guided price moves.