FTSE

Banks and miners have powered the FTSE to a four-month high in afternoon trading after the Bank of England held interest rates at their historical lows.

Trading volumes fell overnight in the US ahead of key job market data set to be released later today.

Paul Burgin analyses the Italian ETF market

The FTSE fell back slightly in early trading on Thursday despite strong overnight showings on Wall Street and in Asia.

World markets surged on Wednesday following an unexpected jump in US manufacturing data and bullish economic figures from Asia.

The FTSE 100 moved slightly lower in afternoon trading as double-dip fears persisted on the back of negative housing market data.

The FTSE 100 was up 50 points, or 1%, to 5,159.25 this afternoon as data showed new claims for unemployment benefits in the US fell more than expected.

The FTSE advanced in early trading following positive overnight signs in the US and a mini rally in Asia.

Markets on both sides of the Atlantic have continued on their downward trajectory amid fears about the economic recovery.

The FTSE continued to fall in morning trading on Wednesday following yesterday's massive sell-off in global shares on escalating fears about the economic recovery.