Nasdaq

The FTSE 100 is still climbing this morning, thanks to gains for Aviva, in a move which could see the benchmark index close the week above the 4500 barrier.

The benchmark FTSE 100 ended this week down 23.70 points at 4,492.20 after UK stocks fell, paced by Lloyds TSB and WPP Group.

The benchmark FTSE 100 is currently down about 17 points to 4,480 after UK stocks dropped for the second day paced by the banking industry.

The benchmark FTSE 100 is currently up about 2 points to 4,526 after UK stocks rose for the third day in four, paced by UK retailers.

The benchmark FTSE 100 index ended the day up 9.3 points at 4,524.3 after UK stocks rose for the second day in three.

Having made great gains in the London stock markets yesterday, traders today took the profits from share increases to close the FTSE 100 flat but still above 4500.

The FTSE 100 closed up 72.7 points to 4,515.6 at the end of London trading on Thursday, its biggest gain in five months, thanks to improved profits at Royal Bank of Scotland.

Substantial profit gains for Royal Bank of Scotland and mining group BHP Billiton have lifted the FTSE 100 this morning closer towards the 4500 mark.

Trading on the London indices is relatively mixed this morning, after Kingfisher started with gains and AstraZeneca began with losses.

The FTSE 100 index has finally managed to pull itself back over the 4400 mark, thanks to improved trading for the mobile phone operators.