Dow Jones

The benchmark FTSE 100 index closed down struggled to maintain a positive frame this afternoon and closed down four points today to 4,403.3despite gains made by energy stocks BP and Shell Transport & Trading.

Advertising revenue and defense contracts are driving the FTSE 100 this morning, albeit trading is relatively slow.

The benchmark FTSE 100 ended this week down 17.30 points at 4,407.40 after UK stocks dropped for the fourth day in five.

The benchmark FTSE 100 has so far gained about 13 points to 4,477 after UK stocks rose, led by Alliance Unichem and Bunzl.

The benchmark FTSE 100 closed down 6.30 points today at 4,512.40 after UK stock ended the day on a mixed note.

The FTSE 100 closed up 23.30 points today to 4,517.40 after UK stocks advanced, led by ITV and Prudential.

Pharmaceutical and house building firms had a bad day of trading on the FTSE indices today, but the main index surprisingly pulled back some of the losses by close of business thanks to gains for Abbey and Centrica.

The benchmark FTSE 100 index has so far lost 10 points to 4,492 after UK stocks dropped, paced by drugmakers AstraZeneca and GlaxoSmithKline.

The benchmark FTSE 100 has so far gained about 23 points to 4,509 after UK stocks gained for a second day.

After yesterday's attack by traders on Vodafone shares, the UK stockmarkets are climbing again, led by tobacco stock BAT.