FTSE 100

The S&P 500 slipped below its record peak above 2,000 overnight as the Ukraine crisis weighed on markets globally.

The FTSE 100 has moved back above the 6,800 mark for the first time this month as investors take heart from another record high for the S&P 500 yesterday.

Global markets have jumped and oil has hit a 14-month low as geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine show signs of abating.

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Wealth managers report their clients are clamouring to take on more risk in portfolios, even as markets retreat from record highs.

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Tesco is coming under increasing pressure to slash its dividend in order to free-up cash to help it compete against low-cost rivals, with a leading shareholder speaking out over the weekend and analysts predicting a major cut to its payout.

Stock markets recovered from last week's bout of anxiety this morning as geopolitical concerns eased, with safe haven bond yields climbing and shares rallying.

UK and European equity markets have pulled back again this morning after two mega M&A deals fell through and geopolitical tensions increased.