FTSE

The FTSE 100 advanced in early trading on Wednesday thanks to a positive start in the energy sector.

London shares fell further this afternoon as investors took stock of a major US investment plan, and the FTSE 100 dipped 55.53 points (1.4%) to 3,897.28 shortly after 3pm.

Trading was mixed in London this morning as banks continued to climb on news of a $1trn toxic debt plan in the US, with the FTSE100 down 6.35 points (0.16%) to 3,946.46 by mid-morning.

The markets soared stateside as the launch of the US government's programme to tackle banks' toxic debt prompted the Dow Jones to swell 275.90 (3.79%) to 7,554.28 by 11.31 EDT, continuing its two-week rally.

The FTSE 100 charged higher this morning as financials rallied in anticipation of the US Government launching its $500bn investment programme later today.

The FTSE 100 opened this morning 23 points down on yesterday's close, with bank shares leading the fall.

US stocks rose on Tuesday following news housebuilders were far busier than anticipated in February.

The FTSE 100 has powered more than 2.5% higher this afternoon as Barclays shares continue to soar.

Barclays shares are soaring this morning as the banking giant announced it is in talks to sell its iShares business.

The FTSE 100 is up this afternoon rising 62.34 points (1.67%) to 3774.40 by 3:15pm.