Dow Jones

The FTSE finished the day strongly up 1.47% to 6087.40 driven by a powerful performance from financials which dominated the top five.

The FTSE 100 closed the week down 43 at 5,888 despite a rally by the banking sector which responded well to Lloyds TSB's results.

The FTSE 100 fell 47.70 or 0.80% this morning as disappointing news from Lloyds TSB failed to boost the index.

Stock markets in the UK and US are on their way to fresh 2008 highs on the back of huge deals involving Yahoo! and Rio Tinto.

The FTSE reacted positively to news from the US of a $150bn relief plan revealed by George Bush.

A strong day for miners offset another punishing afternoon for a fickle financial sector, the FTSE closed the week 5.50 points up (0.09%) to 5907.90.

The FTSE100 failed to finish higher today closing down 16.30 points at 6206.40 despite positive performance from house builders and miners.

The FTSE100 took a huge hit this afternoon closing over 2% lower at 6348.50. The killer punch followed news from the US that only 18,000 jobs were created in December compared to an expected 70,000.

The FTSE opened higher up 39.80 to 6519.20 driven by bid speculation on companies including Carphone Warehouse .

Miners have helped drive the FTSE to a strong end to the week as the FTSE100 rises 1.09% to 6,414.80.