In the US, trading volumes fell ahead of key job market data to be released later today.
The non-farm payroll figures will give an indication of the health of the economy, and markets remained fairly flat prior to their release.
The Dow Jones closed at 10,320 last night, a rise of 0.49% or 50.63 points, while the S&P 500 was 0.91% pr 9.81 points up at 1,090.10.
M&A activity continued, with the BBC reporting Chinese investors were considering making a rival bid against mining giant BHP Billiton for fertiliser firm Potash. Its shares on the New York Stock Exchange closed at 2.6 points or 1.78% to 148.55p yesterday.
The FTSE 100 was just 0.24% or 13.06 points higher this morning, up to 5,384.18. Technology firm Autonomy was the strongest stock, rising 2.56% to £17.60 per share, while Home Retail Group was the biggest faller, down 1.08% to 219.4p per share.
The German Dax rose 0.37% to 6.106.53 this morning, led higher by SAP and with healthcare group Fresenius lagging with a 0.76% fall.
The French Cac 40 was 0.33% higher to 3,643.46 in early trading, with Axa the biggest gainer, up 1.47%.
