Nasdaq

Climbing oil prices in the US have again boosted trading on the FTSE 100 this morning to cross the 5200 point mark.

The UK's benchmark stock index closed the day just ahead of flat but kept the market buoyant for the sixth day in a row, despite news suggesting retail sales have dropped again.

The FTSE 100 index up by about 22 points to 5,030 this morning on oil, technology and mining company gains.

UK shares are rising for the third day in a row on the back of positive news for telecom firms.

UK shares bounced back today after a run of downers concerning high street sales and the climbing oil price, accompanied by improvements for R&SA's bottom line.

Royal & SunAlliance's sale of assets has boosted its own share price and the FTSE 100 this morning, countering the impact of a fall in the oil price to under $50.

Despite the odd acquisition announcement, UK shares in the main closed down today after a report suggested high street retail business fell to its lowest level in 10 years, sparking fresh recession fears.

A third successive term for prime minister Tony Blair and the Labour Party has helped to lift shares on the FTSE 100 by the end of the week.

Both UK stocks and bonds rose today as it is thought prime minister Tony Blair and the Labour Party will win a third consecutive term of office in today's parliamentary general election.

UK shares enjoyed a major boost by the close of business on Tuesday and the benchmark index gained over 1%, as there was good news for Friends Provident, Glaxo and Kingfisher.