The top share index rose 0.9 percent on Friday, lifted by telecoms, and ended two straight weeks of losses, though trading was thin as investors remained wary of the United States slipping back into recession.
The top share index was up by midday on Friday, off a seven-week low earlier this week, after the UK's second-quarter gross domestic product was unexpectedly revised upwards and ahead of a speech from U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke.
The top share index fell marginally early on Friday, as investors waited on the sidelines ahead of the second release of second-quarter GDP and a major speech by U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke.
The FTSE 100 <.FTSE> index is seen falling on Friday, retreating after gains in the previous session, as investors awaited GDP releases from both the UK and the United States and a major speech by Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke.
Banks lifted Britain's top shares on Thursday, with Royal Bank of Scotland and Lloyds Banking Group top performers on reports that a new bid vehicle will seek to buy British banking assets.
The FTSE 100 .FTSE index was up 90.63 points, or 1.8 percent, at 5,105.45, rising for a third consecutive day. It closed up 49.82 points, or 1 percent, on Wednesday.
Britain's top shares fell sharply on Tuesday as renewed fears over global growth and worries about Europe's debt problems hit risk appetite, sending commodity-linked assets and banks sharply lower.
Weaker commodity stocks and banks pushed Britain's top share index lower early on Tuesday, after gains in the previous session, as confidence prompted by China's decision to give its currency more flexibility faded.
European stock indices edged mostly higher in this quiet trading day, led by financial and commodities firms.
Britain's top share index gained 0.8 percent by midday on Monday, as banks and commodities rallied following the previous session's falls and British Airways climbed on hopes of a global alliance.
Strength in mining stocks helped Britain's top share index recover on Tuesday to levels not seen since before the collapse of Lehman Brothers in September 2008, though banks were weak.
Jitters in the financial sector prompted by tough new proposed regulations sent banks sliding on Thursday while commodity stocks also retreated on weaker raw material prices, pulling the FTSE 100 down 1.9 percent by close
Caution ahead of a key jobs report from the United States weighed on banks and other cyclical stocks, pushing Britain's FTSE 100 .FTSE share index 0.5 percent lower by midsession on Friday.
Caution ahead of a key jobs report from the United States weighed on banks and other cyclical stocks, pushing Britain's FTSE 100.FTSE share index 0.5 percent lower by midsession on Friday.
Britain's top share index shed 0.4 percent by midday on Wednesday, with falls by banks and oils offsetting gains by miners, Vodafone (VOD.L) and some defensives.
Britain's top share index was up 1.7 percent at midday on Tuesday, with banks and miners topping the leader board as concerns abated over Dubai's debt problems.
Britain's top share index was 0.8 percent lower by midday on Monday, pulled down by weak energy stocks and banks, as investors were troubled by lingering anxiety caused by Dubai's debt problems.
Britain's leading share index was 0.2 percent lower by midsession on Friday, falling for a second session with banks pressured by persisting anxiety over Dubai's debt default and oil majors weak with the crude price.
Gains in commodity stocks offset weakness in banks to leave Britain's top share index slightly firmer in choppy trade by mid-session on Tuesday.
Britain's top share index was up 1.7 percent at midday on Monday, fuelled by strength in miners and energy stocks thanks to firmer commodity prices, while improved risk appetite also boosted banks.
Britain's top share index was lower at midday on Friday, with gains in defensive pharmaceutical stocks and food producers outweighed by weakness in banks and energy stocks.
Britain's top share index was down 0.6 percent mid-session on Thursday, dragged lower by heavyweight commodity and banking stocks, which offset gains made by defensive stocks as risk appetite waned.
Britain's top share index was 0.5 percent lower in mid-session trade on Tuesday as investors paused for breath after a four-day winning streak, with falls in banks and miners offsetting gains in some defensive issues.
