FTSE

The FTSE is in decline this morning after a strong early start, currently 15.20 points lower, or 0.24%, to 6265.5.

An unexpected drop in US payrolls last month has rocked Wall Street and showered the FTSE with late losses this afternoon.

Backed by oil firms, the FTSE has made a positive start to the day climbing 50 points, or 0.82%, to 6182.2.

UK buy-to-let property has seen some of the best returns for investors in the 21st century, according to buy-to-let broker, Landlord Mortgages.

Bill Miller, chief financial analyst at Legg Mason, says the current market woes make this an excellent time for investors to buy stocks.

Despite the chance of a rebound earlier in the day, the FTSE closed down at the end of a difficult week for global markets.

Falls by Friends Provident, Cadburys Schweppes and Antofagasta forced the FTSE lower for the fourth day running.

Mining companies drove the FTSE higher this morning with the index up 0.47% to 6,671 and the FTSE All-Share rising to 3447.25. The news was positive for the FTSE100 which has lost 0.8% this week.

Mortgage giant Northern Rock has crumbled in early trading, pushing the FTSE 100 down 37.90 points, or 0.58% to 6521.40.

The FTSE 100 made some early gains this morning up by 31.7 points, or 0.48%, to 6681.6.