FTSE falls on weak US markets

London's leading share index retreated slightly this morning, following a muted performance in the US, which saw the lowest share turnover so far this year.

The FTSE was down 0.12% at 6052.56 in the early morning trade. The index's lag follows limp performance on Wall Street, with the Dow Jones finishing down 0.04% at 12,268.19. Markets showed little reaction to President Obama's budget cut speech, outlining his plans to slash the US deficit by $1.1trn over 10 years. This morning's winners in the FTSE were Barclays, which posted £6.07bn in pre-tax profits, surpassing forecasts of around £5.5bn. The bank was up 2.08%, behind Antofagasta which rose 4.01%. International Power was up 1.64%, Lloyds Banking Group climbed 1% and African Barrick ...