FTSE

The FTSE 100 is lower this morning as retailers continue to announce underwhelming Christmas sales figures. The index is currently 33 points down (0.53%) to 6182.70.

The FTSE100 failed to finish higher today closing down 16.30 points at 6206.40 despite positive performance from house builders and miners.

The FTSE 100 has made a sluggish start this morning, down 26.30 points (0.42%) to 6196.40.

The poor M&S Christmas sales showing led to a dour day for the FTSE 100, closing down 83.80 points (1.32%) to 6272.70.

A dismal Christmas sales report has smashed Marks and Spencer this morning, dragging the FTSE 100 down 91.70 points (1.44%) to 6264.80 so far.

The FTSE100 took a huge hit this afternoon closing over 2% lower at 6348.50. The killer punch followed news from the US that only 18,000 jobs were created in December compared to an expected 70,000.

The FTSE opened higher up 39.80 to 6519.20 driven by bid speculation on companies including Carphone Warehouse .

An early slide on Wall Street has pushed the FTSE 100 into negative territory today, it closed 40.20 points lower (0.62%), to 6416.70.

The FTSE 100 has started the year in fine fashion, up 36.90 points (0.57%) to 6493.80 so far this morning.

A late rally has softened the end of week losses for the FTSE 100, with the index closing 20.90 points lower (0.32%) to 6476.90.