FTSE

The FTSE 100 threatening to break through the 6000 barrier again as investors clamour to the fashionable mining sector this morning, the index is 1.55% ahead to 5970.70.

London closed Wednesday lower as a downbeat Wall Street struck blue chips in late trading. The FTSE 100 index finished the session 47.90 points lower (0.81%) to 5837.30.

The FTSE 100 has only the mining sector to thank for the 96.30 point (1.66%) gain this afternoon, closing Tuesday on 5885.20.

The FTSE 100 has opened strongly this morning on the back of solid mining gains and a boost to tour operators. The index is currently 85.90 points ahead (1.48%) to 5874.80.

Banks and insurers were a drag on the FTSE 100 which ended the day slightly down by six points at 5,869.

The FTSE reacted positively to news from the US of a $150bn relief plan revealed by George Bush.

Financials were firmly back in favour in London today, with the FTSE 100 posting a strong 266.50 point rise (4.75%) to 5875.80.

A strong day for miners offset another punishing afternoon for a fickle financial sector, the FTSE closed the week 5.50 points up (0.09%) to 5907.90.

The FTSE 100 has charged in late morning trading, currently up 77 points (1.3%) to 5979.40.

The FTSE 100 is sluggish this morning as continued housing dramas and a poor start for the majority of miners drag the index 50.90 points (0.84%) down to 5974.70.