FTSE

Investors were more interested in mid-caps today, sending the FTSE down 12.10 points to 4,630.70 points near the close without support from weaker US markets.

The FTSE 100 Index has gained about 13 points to 4,630 this morning, helped by mining stocks.

A gain of 1 point took the FTSE to 4,617.40 by the close, led by supermarket retailer WM Morrison.

Having started the week up yesterday, the FTSE 100 is up another 32 points to 4,658 this morning, helped by falling oil futures and telecoms.

Shares looked headed for another day of losses before oil and telecoms helped bring some confidence back to the market, which saw the FTSE 100 index close up 3.90 points at 4,626.60.

A second wind for UK stocks this afternoon despite a weaker opening in New York has put the FTSE 100 index on course for a second day of gains to another record high.

Prudential blazed a trail for insurers today on expectations of a favourable ruling on gender discrimination in providing cover, helping the FTSE touch above 4,700 before closing up 22.20 points at 4,681.80.

Investors have rethought price to earnings multiples on European-listed stocks today, helping the FTSE put in a 34 points gain to 4,605 following yesterday's tumble.

European stockmarkets, including London, were unable to offset negative sentiment from the US following renewed violence in Iraq, sending the FTSE down by 17.30 points to 4,570.80 by the close.

A third day of gains has helped the FTSE break back over the 4,600 level for only the second time since summer of 2002, with a 13 points gain to 4,601 on the back of improved output figures from France, the second economy in the eurozone.