markets

The FTSE 100 Index fell 36 points, or 0.6%, to 5,936 points today as index heavyweights tumbled and Wall Street traded little changed ahead of tonight's rate decision.

The FTSE 100 Index is 0.2 points lower at 5,972 points this morning, with global investors cautious ahead of an interest rate decision in the US.

The FTSE 100 Index closed down 64.10 points, or 1.1%, to 5,972 points today led by financial companies in anticipation of another hike in US interest rates tomorrow night.

The FTSE 100 Index gained 44.50 points, or 0.7%, to 6,035 points today, led by Marks & Spencer on hopes of better trading.

The FTSE 100 Index has added 14.3 points, or 0.2%, to 6004.40 points this morning, led by Compass Group and Tesco.

The FTSE 100 Index fell 17.40 points, or 0.3%, to 5,990 points today, led by a poor start on Wall Street and supermarket chain Wm Morrison.

The FTSE 100 Index has fallen 6.4 points, or 0.1%, to 6001.1 points this morning after Friends Provident announced a drop in 2005 profit.

The FTSE 100 Index gained 19.7 points, or 0.3%, to 6,011 points today, led by the property sector after Gordon Brown confirmed plans to introduce real estate investment trusts (Reits).

The FTSE 100 Index ended the day flat at 5,991 points today after Corus extended its gains on takeover rumours and Wall Street rallied having opened the day lower on inflation concerns.

The FTSE 100 Index has slipped 19.6 points, or 0.3%, to 5972.1 points this morning led by oil companies as crude oil trades near a one-week low.