FTSE 100

The FTSE 100 is down in early trading after a late dip on Wall Street, currently on its way up but still sitting 23.5 points lower, or 0.38%, to 6195.5.

London stocks can't escape the global credit crisis which decimated many foreign markets overnight, with the FTSE 100 down 96.5 points, or 1.54%, to 6174.7 - in early trading.

Utilities have switched off in morning FTSE 100 trading, with the index currently down 49.9 points, or 0.78%, to 6344.

The FTSE 100 had a second consecutive solid day of growth, up 85.1 points, or 1.35%, to 6393.9.

The FTSE 100 is all over the place in morning trading, currently up 22.2 points, or 0.35%, to 6331 - but steadily falling.

The FTSE 100 soared early and then consolidated its gains in late trading to record a 119.7 point rise, or 1.93%, to close at 6308.8.

The FTSE 100 had an explosive start to the day and closed in a similar way to finish up 154 points, or 2.48%, to 6360.1.

A good mid-afternoon for the FTSE 100 was to no avail, as the index dipped in late trading to close down 44.4 points, or 0.68%, to 6454.3.

The mining sector drilled a hole in the FTSE 100 this afternoon, with the index plummeting 92 points, or 1.38%, to 6567.1.

Rio Tinto's announcement it is to pay $38.1bn in cash for Canadian aluminium producer Alcan led to major increases in mining stocks today - pushing the FTSE 100 up 82.6 points, or 1.25%, to 6697.7.