London's stock market lost ground Wednesday on a stronger pound and weaker oil prices, bucking an upward trend in Europe, while Wall Street enjoyed further gains on better-than-expected US economic growth during the third quarter.

Bitcoin hogged the headlines after the virtual currency, which is not traded on world markets, smashed its way to historic peaks, racing past $11,000 a day after breaking $10,000 on a wave of feverish speculation as institutional investors looked to join the party.

London's energy sector was hurt by slipping crude prices on the eve of a scheduled Vienna output meeting of OPEC, the oil producers' cartel.