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The FTSE 100 has kept its gains, ending 14.3 points higher, or 0.27%, to 5358.60, at its close a short time ago, after bid hopes at Compass and buoyant banks helped cancel out losses at O2.

The FTSE 100 is on the rise for the fourth session in a row on as it is currently up 9.3 points, or 0.17% to 5353.60, with Royal and Sun Alliance leading the gains.

The FTSE 100 ended on a high for the third day after it rose 27 points, or 0.51%, to 5344.3, after strong performances from PartyGaming.com and Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Group.

The FTSE 100 is making a slow start this morning as it has inched up by 6.4 points, or 0.12%, to 5323.70, despite declines by BP and Royal Dutch Shell as the price of oil is trading at a three-month low.

The FTSE 100 has ended up 103.90 points, or 1.99%, to 5317.30 after reports of a number of takeover bids sent stocks of O2 soaring.

The FTSE 100 has made a strong start to the day with a rise of 67.40 points, or 1.29%, to 5280.80, led higher by gains for O2 and P&O after both companies received takeover approaches.

After a topsy-turvy day the FTSE has ended on a high moving up 30.60 points, or 0.59% to close at 5213.40 after reports of good GDP growth in the US gave a last minute boost to the index.

The FTSE 100 has erased about half its gains from yesterday currently down 20.1 points to 5207.7 despite good earnings reports from Shell and British American Tobacco.

After an early afternoon lull, the FTSE 100 has ended up 45.7 points, or 0.88%, to 5227.80 at its close, with oil and mining stocks topping the risers.

The FTSE 100 index has made a good start this morning rising 36.1 points or 0.7% to 5218.2 thanks to gains by Anglo American and BP.