markets

A third day of gains has helped the FTSE break back over the 4,600 level for only the second time since summer of 2002, with a 13 points gain to 4,601 on the back of improved output figures from France, the second economy in the eurozone.

Reported plans to acquire South African bank Absa has sent shares in Barclays down sharply today, helping establish a FTSE 100 loss of 24 points to 4,568.30 by the close.

Overnight losses on US markets sparked by inflation fears have flowed through to Europe this morning, helping send the FTSE 100 down about 9 points to 4,583.

Statements by Shell over its plans to divest and cease share buy-backs to fund exploration helped send the FTSE 100 down by 16.10 points to 4,592.30 by the close.

A report iron ore prices could go up by 20% in contracts being negotiated with big importers such as China and Japan has sent the FTSE 100 up by about 20 points to 4,577.

Strong gains by Japanese stocks on capital expenditure data helped the FTSE 100 index put on about 15 points to 4,565 this morning.

British Airways is leading the FTSE higher by about 18 points to 4,419.

UK shares gained after European technology stocks advanced and prospects brightened for earnings in the business media and data provision sector, sending the FTSE 100 index up about 20 points to 4,375.

BP and Vodafone led the FTSE higher by about 39 points to 4,395 this morning, taking the index' rebound since Monday's close to more than 100 points.

Investors only looked one way today as share prices failed to recover from an opening drop and sent the FTSE to a 71 points loss to 4,306.30 by the close as US markets opened down this afternoon.