Dow Jones

The FTSE 100 opened higher Tuesday, tracking strength overnight on Wall Street, as Legal & General (L&G) beat profit forecasts and lifted its final dividend payout by a third.

The FTSE opened at 5,674.63, up 32.01 points (0.57%), on the back of positive employment figures from both the UK and US yesterday.

The FTSE was modestly lower in early Thursday trade following reports Greece may yet seek financial aid from the IMF because of disillusionment over the prospects of help from the EU.

Positive employment news and a strong showing from miners helped the FTSE set a 21-month high this afternoon.

A decision by the US Federal Reserve to keep interest rates on hold boosted sentiment in London this morning.

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.

The FTSE 100 was up 11 this morning at 5,613 points, with financials peppering both sides of the gainers and losers tables.

The FTSE 100 opened flat following a mixed performance in the US overnight. The UK index was up 0.07% or 3.07 points to 5,610.

Financials rose this morning, but could not prevent the FTSE falling 0.2%, or 8.8 points to 5475.28.

Miners continue to lead the FTSE 100 into positive territory after rising copper prices led to a strong showing yesterday.