FTSE

The FTSE100 closed up 45 at 6,261 today after a strong performance from housing-related stocks including Persimmon (up 32.00) and Wolseley (up 33.50).

Commodity-based companies have overtaken financial services as the ‘bell-weather' of London equities, according to Fidelity UK Growth manager Tom Ewing.

The FTSE100 sailed through the 6,200 mark to close the week up 128 at 6,215.

Barclays Wealth is launching a new suite of protected plans for investors seeking shelter from ongoing market volatility.

The FTSE100 was up 39.50 at 6126.80 aided by positive news from the US and strong performance by the banking sector.

The FTSE 100 closed flat for the second day in a row as retailers moved ahead on positive spending results, the index closed Wednesday down just 2.10 points (0.03%) to 6087.30.

The FTSE 100 has hardly moved from its overnight position as the mining and oil sectors are punished in early trading. The index is currently sitting on 6089.60.

The FTSE100 closed a volatile week up 40.7 to 6091.4, boosted by travel stocks.

The FTSE rose 27.5 points, or 0.45%, to 6078.2 this morning as lower oil prices boosted travel group FirstGroup .

A late rally led by the strong energy and mining sectors drove the FTSE 100 higher this afternoon, closing Wednesday 48.90 points (0.81%) ahead to 6083.60.