FTSE 100

The FTSE 100 Index fell 95.60 points, or 1.6%, to 5,675 points today, led by tension in the Middle East.

The FTSE 100 has ended the day up 8 points, or 0.14%, to 5,896.9 as Wall Street opened well allowing the index to reverse losses which had lasted most of the day.

Standard Life has already seen gains on its share value since entering the FTSE 100 index this morning but elsewhere trading is down as oil stocks are seeing values reverse last week's gains.

The FTSE 100 index added 43.20 points, or 0.7%, to 5,877 points today, led by Compass Group.

The FTSE 100 is up 32.5 points, or 0.56%, to 5,824, losing earlier gains towards the end of the day as Wall Street also fell back.

The FTSE 100 Index fell 10.90 points, or 0.2%, to 5,681 points today, led by utilities.

The FTSE 100 index rose 32 points, or 0.6%, to 5,658 points today after a rally on Wall Street.

The FTSE 100 closed with shares firmer but still off their best levels today as Wall Street turned lower in the absence of much fresh direction.

The FTSE 100 index is already making gains this morning, up 47.6 points or 0.9% to 5645.3 on the back of improved confidence around merger and acquisition possibilities.

The FTSE 100 has gained for a second day, led by mining companies Anglo American and Xstrata as metal prices rose.