markets

Investors across Europe have been spooked this morning by yesterday's falls in US markets triggered by fears over technology company earnings, and the FTSE 100 index has fallen about 56 points to 4,320.

Shares dropped then gained in the first hour or so of trading today to send the FTSE 100 index up about 9 points to 4,347.

A profits warning from Intel after the close of US markets overnight has sent European stock markets lower this morning, and helped push the FTSE down about 28 points to 4,328.

Shares gained in the UK as the Bank of England left interest rates on hold today with the decision not to increase the base rate, helping send the FTSE 100 index up 22.70 points to 4,381.10 by the close.

Shares on the FTSE 100 went lower this morning, sending the index down about 18 points to 4,339.

Strong growth reported by hedge fund operator Man Group and an improved bid for M&S have sent the FTSE up about 18 points to 4,388 so far today.

Battering continued this morning of the supermarkets after Morrisons joined Sainsbury in announcing tough times, helping send the FTSE 100 index down about 10 points to 4,414.

Equal numbers of shares are up and down this morning, but weightings of individual companies within the FTSE 100 have helped the index to a 2 points rise to 4,496.

Royal & Sun Alliance led the FTSE 100 up 40.9 points to 4,453.80 by the close after surprising with a profitable quarter.

Mobile phone maker Nokia shocked European markets today by failing to meet quarterly sales estimates, helping send the FTSE down 7.90 points to 4,472.80 by the close.