Nasdaq

The FTSE 100 index closed up 5.3 points today at 4,413.4 after UK stocks rose paced by Barclays and Reed Elsevier Group.

The benchmark FTSE 100 index is currently up around 15 points to 4,422 after UK stocks rose, paced by Barclays Bank.

The FTSE 100 Index closed down 21.60 points to 4,408.10 today as UK stocks declined, led by losses made by media company British Sky Broadcasting Group.

The FTSE 100 Index is currently down nearly 29 points to 4,400 after UK stocks dropped this morning, led by losses made by BskyB.

Mixed trading on the London stock exchange today was not hindered too heavily by loss of confidence in Prudential shares, after the life insurer announced it would hold onto its Egg stake.

Trading on the FTSE indices is somewhat mixed this morning, so the main mover to watch is Prudential, after the life group announced it would not now sell its stake in Egg, the internet bank.

The FTSE 100 index eventually managed to pull back its losses of the day, sparked by the prospect of further Al-Qaeda terrorist attacks in the US and the UK.

Big news in the UK markets this morning is the suggestion HBOS is now considering a takeover bid for Abbey group, but markets are marginally down on the prospect of Al Qaeda terrorist attacks.

Confirmation of Royal & SunAlliance's sale of its life division to Resolution Life Group has not been enough to keep the FTSE 100 index buoyant this morning as Lloyds TSB also reported its first-half earnings are down.

The benchmark FTSE 100 closed up 62.50 points today at 4,418.70 after UK stocks rose paced by mining companies.