FTSE 100

European markets have paused for breath in early trading after yesterday's heavy sell off, as contagion fears in the eurozone resurfaced.

The FTSE 100 has dropped 0.8% this morning as investors get their first opportunity to act on a disappointing US jobs report on Friday.

Global markets continued their downward trend this morning as fears re-emerged about the state of European and the US economies.

The FTSE 100 has put on over 100 points in the first session of the quarter after US ISM manufacturing data beat forecasts and bolstered sentiment.

CONTRARIAN

SPECIAL REPORT

They have had a rocky ride, but ultimately investors with nerves of steel who backed the UK's biggest commodity stocks over the last ten years would have been rewarded for their patience.

James Henderson has managed Henderson Global Investors' UK Equity Income fund since 2005, taking on the mandate after a long spell at the asset manager.

Shares in Royal Bank of Scotland topped the FTSE 100 this afternoon following reports Abu Dhabi's sovereign wealth fund is considering buying a 'significant stake' in the bank.

The UK government is in advanced talks to sell a significant stake in the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) to Abu Dhabi.