FTSE

The FTSE has opened unexpectedly slowly after strong gains across Europe, Asia and the US yesterday sparked talk the worst of the credit crunch may be over.

The FTSE100 was down 24.60 points at 5,692.90 at the close of the week as UK property giants, including Persimmon and Barratt , slumped on the news house prices fell for a fifth consecutive month.

The FTSE100 is currently up 21.70 at 5739.20 led by a strong performance from Enterprise Inns .

The FTSE 100 could not break into positive territory today after an early Wall Street slide compounded this morning's decline. The index closed the session 28.70 points (0.50%) lower to 5660.40.

The FTSE 100 is fighting to recover from a poor start inflicted by mining giant Xstrata's takeover collapse, with the index currently down 31.90 points (0.56%) to 5657.20.

Advisers have only a limited time left to take advantage of the Barclays Wealth tax-free Guaranteed FTSE Account before the product is discontinued on 4 April due to ISA rule changes.

Stocks either shone or copped a battering today as the FTSE 100 slid lower despite a solid start on Wall Street. The index closed for the Easter holidays down 50.40 points (0.91%) to 5495.20.

News of a Fed rate cut in the US has failed to buoy the FTSE in early trading on Wednesday, the index dropping 51.9 points, or 0.93%, to 5553.9.

Prudential and mining stocks led the FTSE100 higher at the end of the week, up 26.90 to 5719.30.

A late slide on Wall Street overnight has punished the FTSE 100 in early trading, currently 124.30 points lower (2.15%) to 5652.10.