markets

The FTSE 100 index is up 5.9 points, or 0.1%, at 5,716.9 this morning, as it continues to hover close to a four and a half year high.

The FTSE 100 closed down 24.1 points or 0.4% to 5,711 today, a weekly loss for the first time in six weeks as the telecoms and drug sectors headed lower, while nerves over Iran's nuclear intentions added further pressure.

The FTSE 100 index has fallen 16.8 points or 0.3% to 5,718.2 this morning, led by Shire and Reed Elsevier, after brokerages cut their recommendations on both companies.

The FTSE 100 index shrugged off weak telecoms to finish up 0.06% to 5,735 as oil majors and mining issues followed Shire Pharmaceuticals higher.

The FTSE 100 index has added 10 points or 0.2% to 5741.5 this morning, following gains for retailers GUS and Sainsbury.

The FTSE 100 index surged back through 5,700 today, closing up 0.75% to 5,732, on anticipation of a battle for P&O following yesterday's approach from Singapore.

The FTSE 100 Index has advanced 27.2, or 0.5%, to 5,716.50 this morning, led by Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton, after Goldman Sachs raised its earnings forecasts for the miners.

The FTSE 100 index fell 0.75% to 5,689 by closed of business today, following a weak start on Wall Street which left blue chips stuck firmly in the red.

The FTSE 100 index has fallen 10.1, or 0.2%, to 5721.40 this morning, led by insurer Royal & Sun Alliance and retailer Marks & Spencer.

After spending most of the day near a four and a half year high the FTSE 100 index slipped back 0.01% to 5,732 as the property sector tumbled and oil stocks gave back earlier gains.