FTSE

U.S. stocks ended lower on Monday, as investors were worried about the impact of the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan on the global economy.

U.S. stocks ended lower on Monday, as investors were worried about the impact of the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan on the global economy.

U.S. stocks declined in early trade on Monday, as investors were worried about the impact of the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan on the global economy.

U.S. stocks ended higher on Friday led by gains from oil refiners after the earthquake disrupted Japan's refining capacity and equipment makers advanced on expectations for increased demand from rebuilding efforts.

U.S. stocks ended higher on Friday led by gains from Oil refiners after the earthquake disrupted Japan's refining capacity and and equipment makers advanced on expectations for increased demand from rebuilding efforts.

U.S. stocks plunged on Thursday as weaker-than-expected economic reports from both domestic and overseas coupled with fears over the impact on oil price by pervasive unrest in the Middle East and North Africa weighed on the sentiment.

European shares hit a three-month low in early trade and Asian stocks too dropped on Friday, while U.S. futures headed lower, after a powerful 8.9-magnitude earthquake has struck off Japan's northeastern coast, triggering a tsunami as high as 10 metres.

U.S. stocks declined in early trade on Thursday after official data showed that applications for jobless benefits in the U.S. rose more than expected last week, after falling to the lowest level since May 2008 in the previous week.

US stocks opened lower in early trade on Wednesday, with S&P 500 Index losing 4.68 points, or 0.35 percent, to trade at 1,317.14 at 09:50 a.m. EST. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is down 24.71 points, or 0.20 percent, to trade at 12,189.67. The Nasdaq Composite Index fell 0.61 percent to trade at 2,750.45.

U.S. stocks ended higher on Tuesday, as oil prices eased to below $105 a barrel and financials rallied on upbeat profit forecast from the Bank of America.

U.S. stocks rallied on the back of strength in financial shares after a drop in oil prices on reports that Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi may be negotiating an exit from the country.

U.S. stocks advanced on Tuesday as oil prices eased to below $105 a barrel and financials rallied after Bank of America announced plans to increase dividends in the second half of the year.

U.S. stocks ended lower on Monday, led by declines from technology shares after Wells Fargo downgraded the semiconductors sector.

U.S. stocks ended lower on Friday as a spike in oil prices (driven by deepening unrest in Libya) overshadowed a strong February jobs report.

U.S. stocks ended lower on Friday as a spike in oil prices (driven by deepening unrest in Libya) overshadowed a strong February jobs report.

Futures on major U.S. stock indices point to a higher opening on Friday ahead of key monthly non-farm payrolls and unemployment data from the government.

U.S. stocks rallied on Thursday as stronger than expected initial jobless claims data and an easing of oil prices after reports of a possible peace deal in Libya buoyed sentiment.

U.S. stocks advanced in early trade on Thursday after official data showed that applications for jobless benefits in the U.S. fell unexpectedly last week to reach the lowest level since May 2008, indicating an improving labor market.

Futures on major U.S. indices point to a higher opening on Thursday ahead of economic data including key weekly jobless claims and non-farm productivity.

Futures on major U.S. indices point to a higher opening on Thursday ahead of economic data including key weekly jobless claims and non-farm productivity.

U.S. stocks edged up higher on some positive jobs data and reassurance from the Federal Reserve that the economy is recovering. However, any equity gains were capped by fears over the continued unrest in Libya and rising crude oil prices.