Nasdaq

The FSTE 100 index suffered a setback today and closed down almost 28 points or 0.55% to just under 5,033 after several companies lost gains of recent days.

The FTSE 100 index is up already this morning in early trading, thanks to gains for drugs manufacturers GlaxoSmithKline and AstraZeneca.

The FTSE 100 index eventually closed down almost flat at 5053.2 on the day, led by Schroders and Cairn Energy.

The FTSE 100 made a minor gain at the end of the week to hold its position over 5000, thanks to a ratings boost for Marks & Spencer.

The UK's benchmark index ended the week at a 2 ½ year high after a better general performance all week pushed the blue chips market closer towards the psychological 5,000 barrier.

The FTSE 100 closed the day with a strong performance to start the week alongside the US Nasdaq Composite, but the FTSE was still down on Monday's earlier 2 ½ year high.

The FTSE 100 index started the week with a 2 ½ year-high this morning, thanks mainly to British Airways, after oil prices fell again and profit forecasts from Irish rival Ryanair lifted other budget airlines.

The FTSE 100 index struggled to stay afloat by close of business in London today but kept above the water line thanks mainly to telecoms firms Cable & Wireless and British Airways.

A government report revealing the worst Christmas spending since 1981 had threatened to dampen the spirits of traders today, but the FTSE managed to close up by the end of the week.

The FTSE 100 index did have a bad day of trading, as predicted this morning, but it was eventually as a result of reduced confidence in life insurers rather than in the worst seasonal December sales for 10 years.