S&P 500

The benchmark FTSE 100 index closed down 8 points today at 4,422.7 after concerns about oil prices dragged British Airways down, alongside Royal & SunAlliance.

The FTSE 100 index has started the day flat at 4,455 points after UK stocks fell slightly, paced by declines made by Boots and Next.

The benchmark FTSE 100 index has so far gained about 33 points to 4,451 after UK stocks rose today, paced by Hays and Man Group.

The benchmark FTSE 100 index closed down another 1% today to 4,428.7 led by declines in the mining industry, as there are further concerns the recent oil price increase will slow economic growth and hurt profits.

The benchmark FTSE 100 has so far lost almost 34 points to 4,438 after UK stocks fell this morning paced by Rentokil Initial.

Early trading on the London Stock Exchange indicates investment firms are now waiting for that all-important Bank of England base rate announcement, as performance is so far mixed around the prospect of an interest rate rise.

Shares on the London Stock Exchange are struggling to hold their positions this morning as Unilever's own stock took its biggest hit in six months and L&G reported sales are down.

Key trading on the London Stock Exchange is being driven in the main by software and technology firms this morning after Microsoft Corporation yesterday revealed its earnings will beat forecasts next year.

Talk of takeover at WH Smith and M&S has encouraged the FTSE 100 to gain just a little more ground this morning, however, GKN has pulled trading downwards.

Having rallied so confidently yesterday, the FTSE 100 has taken a dive of almost 1% within the first hour of trading this morning, which has pushed the index back under 4500 and the share value of mining companies down.