FTSE 100

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 was boosted this morning by a two-year high on Wall Street, following robust earnings reports and positive economic data.

Jan Luthman, co-fund manager of the £156m Walker Crips Equity Income fund, has built up an 80% position in FTSE 100 stocks, believing the area is undervalued.

Schroders' Richard Buxton believes the Bank of England will hold off on raising interest rates this year despite his forecast inflation could reach 5%.

Tracker funds have seen the highest net retail sales since 2000, totalling £1.2bn last year compared with £406m in 2009, according to the IMA.

London's leading share index pushed above the 6,000 mark in early morning trading, buoyed by rising commodity prices and corporate profits.

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 FTSE 100 has started the week in negative territory as the crisis in Egypt continues to unsettle investors.

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.