FTSE

The FTSE100 has recovered well this morning after a slow start for financials, with miners spearheading the revival. London's blue-chip index is still in the red however, 9.50 points (0.18%) lower to 5366.90.

The FTSE100 surged on opening this morning on the back of a large bank-led market rally in the US overnight. London's blue-chip index is currently 82.80 points (1.61%) higher to 5233.40.

The FTSE100 has given up most of its strong start in mid-morning trading, with more fears for financials cancelling out the large oil price falls. London's blue-chip index is currently 7.5 points (0.15%) higher to 5,179.40.

Renewed concerns on the health of US banking institutions have spooked markets across the globe, with the FTSE100 sharply lower in morning trading.

The takeover of Alliance and Leicester this morning fired the FTSE ahead as markets bounced once again, but it dropped back this afternoon, with the index closing at 5300.40, up 38.8 points or 0.78%.

A host of takeover offers have sent the FTSE100 skyward this morning, currently 90.60 points (1.72%) higher to 5352.20.

London markets are down once again with the FTSE 100 losing 122.80 points (2.22%) to 5406.80.

The Standard & Poor's 500 index entered bear market territory for the first time since 2002 on Wednesday, as shares on Wall Street were slammed by renewed mortgage market and economic concerns.

Financials are leading a mini-revival for London markets this morning, with banking stocks mirroring the yesterday's strong giants for compatriots across the Atlantic. The FTSE 100 is currently 70 points (1.29%) higher to 5510.60.

The FTSE100 has entered ‘bear market' territory after being smashed in early Tuesday trading, down 129.20 points (2.34%) to 5383.50.