FTSE 100

The FTSE 100 is starting the new year well with a rise of 51.5 points, or 0.92%, to 5,670.3, as natural resources stocks such as BP have started strongly as the gas supply dispute between Russia and Ukraine drives fuel prices higher.

The FTSE 100 has topped 5,600 for the first time since August 2001. The index is currently up 3.9 points, or 0.07%, to 5,600.9, led higher by drugmaker AstraZeneca after it said it was buying a cancer specialist firm to boost its drug pipeline.

The FTSE 100 has closed 39.5 points, or 0.71%, higher at 5,587, as BAE Systems leapt on news of a UK/Saudi Arabia government tie-up.

The FTSE 100 index is down 4.5 points, or 0.08%, to 5,535.3, weighed down by building materials group Hanson after it forecast a weak start to 2006.

The FTSE 100 index has ended the day up 36.3 points or 0.66%, to 5,531.6, with Daily Mail and General Trust leading the advance.

The FTSE 100 has closed slightly down with a loss of 25.8 points, or 0.47%, to 5,495.3, as a strong showing on the property front was not enough to counteract weak mining stocks.

The FTSE 100 index failed to make any headway in trading today and closed almost flat at its starting point, as a result of further selling in online poker group PartyGaming.

After a poor finish yesterday, the FTSE 100 index has started flatto a better start with gains of 2.7 points or 0.05% to 5,504.2, as oil stocks such as BP are advancing as US crude oil prices held around $61 a barrel, but PartyGaming has slipped after...

The FTSE 100 index has got off to a comfortable start with gains of 19.5 points or 0.35% to 5,536.9, with Antofagasta currently leading the advance.

The FTSE 100 has ended the day down 13.7 points or 0.25%, to 5,517.4, as Kuwait sold BP shares worth about $2bn, slashing demand for other heavyweight oil stocks, but investors bought retail stocks as expectations grew of Christmas cheer on the high street....