markets

The FTSE 100 index ended flat at 6,293 points today after a weak start on Wall Street outweighed ongoing bid speculation and strong power firms.

The FTSE 100 index has ended the day down 47.5 points or 0.75% to 6,291.9, over fears about the strength of the US economy.

The FTSE 100 is slightly down with a drop of 2.6 points, or 0.04%, to 6,336.8, although it has recovered from heavy early losses as the merger between Taylor Woodrow and Wimpey has sparked interest across the housing sector.

The FTSE 100 index rose 21.40 points, or 0.3%, to 6,339 points today, helped by bid speculation and rising commodity issues.

The FTSE 100 is slightly down in early trading with a drop of 3.3 points, or 0.05%, to 6,314.7, despite advances among commodity stocks.

The FTSE 100 index rose 61.20 points, or 1%, to 6,318 points today, led by retailer Next.

The FTSE 100 is up 55.7 points, or 0.89%, to 6,312.5, as positive results news and significant gains on Wall Street last night boosted opening deals.

The FTSE 100 has ended the session up 36.5 points, or 0.59%, to 6,256.8, following Gordon Brown's 11th Budget statement, which seemed to be welcomed by investors.

The FTSE 100 is up 9.4 points, or 0.15%, to 6,229.7 in early trading as bid speculation is now focusing on property stocks.

The FTSE 100 has ended the day up 30.9 points, or 0.5%, to 6,220.3, as private equity speculation over Whitbread offset losses by Friends Provident.