FTSE

New figures showing US oil inventories have grown in recent weeks helped push the price of crude oil down today, with the result UK oil majors Shell and BP also fell, pushing the FTSE 100 index down 15.30 points to 4,489.50.

The FTSE 100 index held onto a gain of 13.20 points to close at 4,504.80 after comments from Federal Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan indicated the US economy has moved firmly away from deflationary pressures.

Details of Philip Green's bid for Marks & Spencer were released this morning, sending shares in the retailer down, and helping the FTSE 100 index shed about 20 points to 4,402.

Bid fever hit the FTSE 100 this afternoon with news billionaire retailer Philip Green may make a pitch to buy Marks & Spencer, helping send the index up 15.30 points to 4,453.60 by the close.

Boots and Intercontinental reported big improvements in profits this morning, helping the FTSE gain about 22 points to 4,460.

The FTSE 100 index is down about 32 points to 4,397 this morning after a string of poor statements from some of the country's biggest firms.

The FTSE 100 index gained 57.40 points to 4,471.80 as some stocks had their best day in several months on falling oil prices and Chinese moves to not raise interest rates.

The FTSE 100 index is up about 4 points to 4,407 after investors came back to the market on news of higher profits and value in the property and drinks making sectors.

The FTSE 100 index has wiped out April's gains by dropping below the 4,400 level for the first time since March, currently down about 66 points to 4,375.

Royal & Sun Alliance led the FTSE 100 up 40.9 points to 4,453.80 by the close after surprising with a profitable quarter.