markets

The FTSE 100 Index rose 43.20 points, or 0.7%, to 6,230 points today, led by British Airways and a strong start on Wall Street.

Stocks in the UK gained this morning after analysts recommended investors buy Vodafone, sending the FTSE 100 index up 30.1 points to 6,216.70.

The FTSE 100 Index fell 7.60 points, or 0.1%, to 6,187 points today following a poor start on Wall Street.

The FTSE 100 Index fell 14.20 points, or 0.23%, to 6,194 points today, led by a poor performance from the mining sector.

The FTSE 100 Index fell 23 points, or 0.4%, to 6,208 points today, led by drug companies GlaxoSmithKline and AstraZeneca.

The FTSE 100 Index recovered some of its earlier losses to close down 7.50 points, or 0.1%, at 6,232 points today, with ITV the biggest riser.

The FTSE 100 Index picked up pace this afternoon to close just 5 points, or 0.01%, lower at 6,239 points, with Scottish Power the best performer.

The FTSE 100 Index hit a five and a half year high today, up 79.90 points, or 1.3%, at 6,224 points, supported by insurers and miners.

The FTSE 100 Index has climbed 35.5 points, or 0.6%, to 6183.60 points this morning after an approach to buy France's Vivendi SA rekindled speculation mergers and acquisitions will increase in Europe.

The FTSE 100 has ended the day pretty flat with a slight drop of 1.2 points, or 0.02%, to 6,148.1, after a positive start on Wall Street faded away.