Morning Markets: FTSE ahead despite bank weakness

A rise in consumer-focused shares helped to push the UK's benchmark share index ahead despite profit-taking in miners and banks.

The FTSE 100, which closed at the highest level in a week yesterday, added 10.8 points to 5,165.42, in the first hour of trade. Pub and hotel group Whitbread dominated the gainers, up 3.8% to £12.96, ahead of its interim results next week. The owner of DIY chain B&Q, Kingfisher, was also in favour, up just over 3% to 233.6p, while shares in building materials firm Wolseley also gained. Meanwhile, investors snubbed Royal Bank of Scotland and Lloyds Banking Group on continued reports the state-backed banks are looking to wriggle out of the Government's expensive toxic asset programme...