FTSE

The FTSE 100 reversed some of the strong gains recorded yesterday as commodity stocks dragged the index down more than 86 points, or 2.21%, to 3,839.

The Dow Jones was up in early trading, rising 71 points, or 0.95%, to 7,593 as of 3:25pm GMT.

The FTSE 100 advanced in early trading on Tuesday buoyed by stronger-than-expected results in the retail arena.

The FTSE 100 has been floored this morning as poor financials and mining stocks drive the index down 94.96 points, or 2.44%, to 3,803.89.

The Dow has failed to consolidate yesterday's gains and is currently down 103.78 points (1.31%) to 7820.78 at 11.25 EDT.

Premier has unveiled a UK income plan targeting returns of 8% a year for investors.

A strong performance from banks including Barclays, Lloyds and RBS helped the FTSE hold steady on opening this morning at 3,925 points.

Vehicle giant General Motors (GM) propped up the Dow Jones early on Thursday after agreeing a deal analysts say will enable it to keep US bail-out cash.

Better-than-expected economic data from the US spurred buying activity in Tokyo on Thursday, but raised only a tiny cheer in London.

The Dow Jones climbed in early trading on Wednesday on better-than-expected housing and manufacturing figures, positing a gain of 174.51 (2.28%) to 7,834.72 at 10:50EST.