Dow Jones

Persisting unrest in Libya has dragged global markets down, with London's leading share index dropping back below the 6,000 mark reached yesterday afternoon.

London's leading share index had a sluggish start this morning, while European markets fell on uncertainty over the Middle East and oil supply.

London's leading share index was boosted this morning by a two-year high on Wall Street, following robust earnings reports and positive economic data.

London's leading share index retreated slightly this morning, following a muted performance in the US, which saw the lowest share turnover so far this year.

Markets across Europe have opened lower ahead of the Bank of England's decision on interest rates today.

London's leading share index fell below 6,000 points in early morning trading, dragged down by a flat finish in US markets and continuing turmoil in Egypt.

The FTSE has pushed above 6,000 today, on the back of strong performance from the US with the Dow Jones soaring to a two year high.

The Dow Jones broke through the 12,000 level for the first time since June 2008 on Wednesday, following calls for a cut in corporate taxes and a unanimous vote by policymakers to maintain a $600bn bond-buying plan.

London's leading share index rose this morning, recovering from yesterday's fall following news the UK economy contracted by 0.5% in the fourth quarter of last year.

London's leading share index was up slightly by 0.2% in early trading following yesterday's fall, boosted by a late rally on Wall Street.