FTSE

The FTSE 100 fell 47.70 or 0.80% this morning as disappointing news from Lloyds TSB failed to boost the index.

The FTSE 100 has opened strongly this morning as it looks to correct Wednesday's losses, currently 52 points up (0.88%) to 5945.60.

A late Alliance & Leicester-led rally for the FTSE 100 saved the index from a more significant fall this afternoon, finally closing down 73.30 points (1.23%) to 5893.60.

London markets closed the week in sharp decline as early losses were cemented by a weak Wall Street opening, the index finished 91.70 points lower (1.56%) to 5787.60.

A positive start for the FTSE 100 is being eroded by the minute this morning; the index is currently just hanging on, 3.20 points (0.05%) ahead to 5882.50.

A solid start on Wall Street was not enough for the FTSE 100 to push into positive territory this afternoon, closing 0.51% lower to 5,880.10.

Once again the miners have bailed out London markets, with the sector's international giants driving the FTSE 100 into positive territory in afternoon trading. The index closed the week 59.90 points (1.05%) ahead to 5784.

An early surge on Wall Street allowed the FTSE to break into positive territory this afternoon, closing Wednesday up 7.40 points (0.13%) to 5875.40.

The FTSE 100 is remarkably steady this morning despite a overnight global sell-off, currently 9.90 points lower (0.17%) to 5858.10.

Stock markets in the UK and US are on their way to fresh 2008 highs on the back of huge deals involving Yahoo! and Rio Tinto.