Morning Markets: FTSE rises on RBS debt buy-back report

The FTSE 100 was up 0.65% or 36.43 points to 5,630 early this morning as the rumoured RBS debt restructuring boosts financial stocks.

Bank shares led early gains on news RBS is considering a £10m debt buyback scheme and the implementation of new contingent capital notes, or CoCos. In addition, Close Brothers posted a 50% jump in pre-tax profits. RBS rose 2.06% to 43.61p, while HSBC advanced 1.45% to 690.5p and Barclays added 1.20% to 352.8p. Meanwhile, GS4 fell 1.97% to 273p after posting a decline in organic turnover. Other early morning losers include Segro, which is down 1.84% or 325.4p. Compass Group also dipped 0.74% to 498.3p. In Japan, the Nikkei slipped 0.28% or 30.27 points to 10,721. Trading was muted ...