FTSE

The FTSE 100 index looked set for a 20 points fall by early afternoon, but shares rallied on news of improving US consumer confidence, which sent the key UK index up 3.90 points to 4,575.70 by the close.

The FTSE 100 index is down about 8 points to 4,563 as shares trade in mixed directions ahead of an important US consumer confidence report due out later today.

Further evidence of a recovery in corporate Europe helped the FTSE gain about 12 points to 4,582 this morning as German banks reported some of their strongest quarterly gains since the bear market started in 2000.

Unemployment fell less than expected according to the latest US figures published earlier today, helping reverse fears of interest rate rises there, and helping the FTSE add 31.90 points to 4,571.80 by the close.

The FTSE 100 hit another 12-month high this morning, gaining about 16 points to 4,562 on further bid speculation.

Investors have bought shares ahead of the Bank of England's interest rate decision due by noon today, helping the FTSE 100 index gain about 21 points to 4,490.

The FTSE 100 index is down about 6 points to 4,459 today, the last day of the fiscal year, as about 70% of stocks registering losses overcame the gains by some of the index' biggest companies.

The FTSE 100 index gained 51.70 points to 4,462.40 by the close after employment figures from the US showed the biggest monthly increase in new jobs since early 2000.

Telecoms equipment maker Ericsson reported better than expected numbers this morning, followed by better than expected manufacturing figures from the US this afternoon, both combining to send the FTSE up 25 points to 4,410.70 by the close.

After holding the line for most of the day, the FTSE 100 index closed down 27.10 points at 4,385.70 after figures showed factory output dropped in the US last month.