After a quiet start, next week kicks into gear with updates from heavyweights Shell, Unilever and AstraZeneca, as well as a raft of other corporate and economic news. See what's in store...
London's leading share index was in the red on Friday, as investors remained sceptical about Greece's debt and were disappointed by fourth-quarter GDP figures from the US.
There are quite a few events that could happen in the eurozone this year which would result in market volatility. But they could also represent buying opportunities for investors.
Shares in Bulgarian real estate investor Orchid Developments Group doubled in value on Friday, as the company confirmed it had received a "preliminary approach" from a third party.
Royal Bank of Scotland has confirmed its chief executive officer, Stephen Hester, would receive around £963,000 from a bonus of 3.6 million shares, sparking a public outcry.
Range Resources has ramped up its reserves production drilling programme on the Morne Diablo concession in onshore Trinidad and updated investors on its Texas joint venture.
German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble again rejected calls to boost the eurozone's firewall and said that all indications so far are that the size right now is sufficient.
Nickel is an enticing investment theme given its use for stainless steel, and with a price-enhancing shortage predicted in the years ahead, Horizonte Minerals could be poised to capitalise, says Edmond Jackson.
London's blue-chip index was boosted by miners on Thursday, closing at a six-month high as interest rate news from the US Federal Reserve improved sentiment.
Both oil and gold rallied strongly on Thursday after the Federal Open Market Committee, the rate-setting body of the US Federal Reserve Board, said it expected low interest rates to be kept in place until 2014.
Restaurant and pub operator Mitchells & Butlers unveiled steady sales growth in its eagerly-awaited interim management statement, bolstered by a successful Christmas performance.
Shares in Ariana Resources dipped on Thursday after the miner revealed delays to its Red Rabbit Gold Project in western Turkey, with production now expected in 2013.
Ominous political and economic uncertainty is building around the world. Heather Connon reveals the verdict of our experts on its likely impact on global equity values in 2012.
Equities, commodities and the euro extended gains on Thursday after the US Federal Reserve said it would keep interest rates low for a much longer-than-expected period, providing ample liquidity to help spur growth.
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