FTSE

London's leading share index dropped below the 6,000 mark this morning as BP and Vodafone sold off parts of their asset base.

London's leading share index has slipped back mid-afternoon following disappointing news from consumer stocks, and a muted opening in the US.

The FTSE 100 advanced in early trading after positive jobs data lifted the Dow.

BP shares closed down 2.2% in London yesterday on a report its managers could face manslaughter charges following the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, which could lead to much higher fines over the disaster.

The FTSE has opened trading cautiously as investors await the final fourth quarter UK GDP reading this morning.

Renewed fears over efforts to cool Japan's nuclear reactors have lead to a sluggish start to the week for European markets.

Richard Howarth is poised to increase the gross exposure of the Absolute Insight UK Equity Market Neutral fund following a drop in volatility across markets.

The FTSE 100 continued its rally this morning off the back of a strong showing in the US where better than expected earning pushed the S&P 500 through the 1,300 point barrier.

The FTSE 100 index edged higher in early trading following gains overseas in the US last night.

European stock markets are subdued in early trading and have been unable to mirror the overnight gains made in Asia and the US.