FTSE

London markets surged forward this morning as better-than-expected results from RBS raised hopes the banking sector may be over the worst of the credit crisis.

The FTSE 100 climbed in early trading on Thursday but further reports of bad debt for banks stifled progress.

The FTSE 100 continued its upward surge this afternoon, gaining 100.83 points, or 2.38%, to 4,344.05 as of 3pm.

The FTSE 100 has opened more than 2% higher in early trading with miners and banks seeing double digit percentage gains this morning.

The FTSE 100 is reversing some of yesterday's strong gains in early trading this morning, shedding 13.07 points, or 0.31%, to 4230.64.

The FTSE 100 opened higher on Thursday following impressive overnight gains in New York.

The banking sector is powering a solid start for the FTSE 100 this morning, adding 21.22 points or 0.52% to 4117.62 by 9:30am.

The FTSE 100 dropped 76.69 points this morning to (1.82%) to 4,091.

Airline and travel companies are sliding in London this morning as the suspected Swine Flu pandemic sends shockwaves through global investors.

Positive figures from Ford helped US stocks rally on Friday.