Dow Jones

The benchmark FTSE 100 closed up 62.50 points today at 4,418.70 after UK stocks rose paced by mining companies.

The benchmark FTSE 100 is currently up almost 34 points to 4,358 after UK stocks rose this morning, paced by HBOS.

Prudential reported its first-half profits quadrupled which today in turn picked the FTSE 100 back up from yesterday's nine-month low.

Abbey National's share price has taken a beating this morning following news of its proposed takeover by Spanish giant Banco Santander Central Hispano, but the FTSE is still afloat.

Oil distributors are making the major gains this morning as the rising price of oil again increases the prospect of higher profit margins.

Earlier in the day, mobile phone stocks dominated trading following the debut of Virgin Mobile, however, interest quickly shifted albeit traders held onto their sunny dispositions.

Phone operators are dominating London stock market trading this morning as investors seem to have taken well to the flotation of Virgin Mobile.

Trading on the London Stock Exchange was today largely influenced by activities in Switzerland, as one Swiss firm boosted the drugs industry and a Swiss insurer knocked domestic confidence.

Activity on London main indices is not looking too healthy this morning after crude oil futures prices dropped and Northern Rock's report was less than favourable.

Profit warnings for a US food producer impacted the FTSE 100 index by close of business in London as analysts believe UK rival Unilever could see its profits fall too and MmO2 closed down over 2%.