In the US, trading volumes fell ahead of key job market data to be released later today.
A European-wide Systemic Risk Board and three separate agencies will be set up to monitor securities, banks and insurance companies, but Britain has been assured the deal will not weaken its sovereignty.
Sarasin's Mark Whitehead has increased his fund's long equity exposure from 40% to 60% since July, attracted by low valuations and a strong Q2 reporting season.
LV= Asset Management is launching a hedged share class for its European ex-UK Growth fund, to minimise currency risk for investors.
The FTSE 100 moved slightly lower in afternoon trading as double-dip fears persisted on the back of negative housing market data.
Standard & Poor's downgrade of Ireland's credit rating was "inevitable", and other ratings agencies are likely to follow suit, says Schroders.
The FTSE advanced in early trading following positive overnight signs in the US and a mini rally in Asia.