FTSE ticks 1% higher after Wall St gains

The FTSE advanced in early trading following positive overnight signs in the US and a mini rally in Asia.

London's leading index is up 0.96% at 5,158.47, having closed down 0.9% the previous day at 5,109.4.

It comes after a strong finish in US markets despite concerns over durable goods orders and a decline in new home sales.

The Dow Jones dipped below 10,000 in early trading on Wednesday before rebounding to finish 0.2% higher at 10,060.

Kazakhmys is one of the big FTSE winners so far, gaining 3.45% to £11.10 after revealing revenues and profits increased in H1. Eurasian Natural Resources has also risen, by 2.78% to 850p.

Other European markets have followed London's lead with the German Dax up 0.74% to 5,943.10 and the French Cac rising 0.94% to 36.13.

After four days of losses, the Nikkei closed trading at 8,906.48, up 0.69%, helped by the buying of futures by long-term domestic investors.