S&P 500

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.

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 benchmark FTSE 100 is currently up almost 29 points at 4,406.6, after UK stocks rose for the first day in four paced by Vodafone and MMO2.

The FTSE 100 index is currently down around 27 points to 4,407 after UK stocks fell for the first day in three paced by BP.

Rumours of a potential takeover bid for Friends Provident has lifted the FTSE 100 index this morning.

The FTSE 100 has managed to the close the week up and over the 4400 barrier, after Aviva reported full-year profits are likely to be higher than previous predictions.