markets

The FTSE 100 has ended the day up 30.9 points, or 0.5%, to 6,220.3, as private equity speculation over Whitbread offset losses by Friends Provident.

The FTSE 100 is slightly down in early trading with a drop of 4.9 points, or 0.08%, to 6,184.5, as results news from Friends Provident received a lukewarm response from investors.

The FTSE had a strong Monday, thanks in part to financial services firm Friends Provident, finishing up 58.8, or 0.96%, to close on 6189.40.

The FTSE 100 has started the session up 40.6 points, or 0.66%, to 6,171.2 in early trading, as positive results news and increased bid speculation in the financial sector is pushing the index higher.

The FTSE 100 has ended the day only slightly changed with a drop of 2.6 points, or 0.04%, to 6,130.6, as tobacco firms offset losses by insurers.

The FTSE 100 is down 25.8 points, or 0.42%, to 6,107.4 as fears about the US housing market continue to weigh on the index.

The FTSE 100 has ended the session up 132.5 points, or 2.21%, to 6,133.2 as takeover news and strong metal prices helped the index recover from yesterday's losses.

The FTSE 100 has recovered from yesterday's heavy losses as positive results news has pushed the index up 86.6 points, or 1.44%, to 6,087.3 in early trading.

The FTSE 100 index has ended the session down 160.5 points, or 2.61%, to 6,000.7, as financials dragged the index lower.

The FTSE 100 has ended the day down 72.1 points, or 1.16%, to 6,161.2, with financial stocks among the biggest losers.