FTSE

The FTSE 100 index is down about 21 points to 4,435 after demonstrations of new mobile phone technology failed at the CeBit technology fair in Hannover yesterday afternoon.

The FTSE 100 index climbed for a second day running, adding 27.90 points to 4,456.80 by the close.

The FTSE 100 index closed up 16 points at 4,428.90 today after more stocks made gains than losses as new lower prices attracted investors back to the market.

The FTSE 100 index fell 54.50 points to 4,412.90 today as stock markets across Europe took in the news of regime change in Spain bringing in a more anti-US minority government.

Investors were already nervous about peaking share values before a series of explosions hit Madrid on Thursday morning sent their appetite for risk through the floor.

Today's bombings of commuter trains in Spain's capital Madrid helped send the FTSE 100 index down 100.10 points to 4,445.20 by the close - the biggest one-day drop in almost a year.

Today marks the anniversary of the FSA's letters to heads of insurance companies, inviting them to apply for waivers on minimum solvency requirement rules and head off the threat of a complete UK stockmarket collapse.

Mining companies led the FTSE down about 10 points to 4,532 as shares went ex-dividend this morning.

The FTSE 100 index is down about 14 points to 4,540 today, following European markets down as investors get used to the new index constituents added yesterday.

The FTSE 100 index shed 11.80 points to 4,542 today after a number of equities analysts across Europe claimed the run on shares had peaked with further earnings new that failed to meet market expectations.