markets

The FTSE 100 Index has broken a two-day trend, shedding about 12 points to 4,793 this morning when shares in the UK's two largest drugmakers fell after US health officials said two products needed closer safety reviews.

In the UK this morning, the FTSE 100 index is back on the rise picking up about 7 points to 4,776, paced by MM02.

The FTSE 100 Index is trading fractionally down about 7 points to 4,796 this morning, although mobile phone company Vodafone is doing its bit to hold the market steady

Currently up about 14 points to 4,790, the FTSE 100 index should close up over the full week to make it three in a row and putting it within fighting distance of the key 5,000 points level by year-end.

The FTSE 100 Index has closed almost a percentage point high this afternoon, up 42.40 points at 4,776.90 for its third successive day of gains.

London's benchmark FTSE index capped a good day today led by Cable & Wireless and Rio Tinto, closing up 16.80 points at 4,734.50.

UK stocks have gained this morning, with the FTSE 100 trading up about 5 points to 4,721.

British Airways has announced its half year results, with the result that the FTSE 100 has slipped about 14 points 4,726.

UK stocks soared in the last half hour of trading as investors reacted to positive unemployment figures published in the US, enabling the FTSE to close up 9.80 points at 4,728.30, despite lagging for most of the day.

The uncertainty principle has been lifted from markets through yesterday and today as George Bush confirmed his second term in office, according to stock market watchers.