FTSE 100

UK shares were once again lower this morning, extending yesterday's sharp losses as falls in Asia overnight impacted confidence.

Shares in Royal Bank of Scotland led the FTSE 100 lower in early trading after MPs criticised the bank over its IT failure in June.

Investors are preparing for a sell-off in equities if policy action in the US and Europe fails to be aggressive enough.

Gold miners and their peers helped push the UK's leading index higher today, enjoying gains as precious metal prices rose.

UK shares were making tentative moves higher in mid-morning trading, ahead of the Jackson Hole speech by Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke later today, with other markets also rising.

Shares in Barclays fell in early trading as investors were once again forced to deal with another potential scandal at the bank, following confirmation the SFO is investigating deals it made during the credit crisis.

Shares across Europe were lower in trading this morning as concerns mounted ahead of a key gathering of central bankers on Friday.

The FTSE 100 is drifting into lower territory this morning, with miners and Olympic security firm G4S all acting as a drag on the wider market.

European markets rose in early trading as investors awaited a meeting on Greece's future and possible anti-crisis action from policymakers.

Standard Life has risen 5.5% in early trading after impressive interim results, helping push the FTSE 100 up 0.7%.