FTSE

With the northern hemisphere still reeling from the effects of the recession, attentions are heading south as now more than ever investors need to adapt a broader perspective to their investments

Industry veteran believes the case for equity income will return in line with dividends this year

Early gains among financials offset disappointing Marks and Spencer results to see the FTSE marginally down 0.22% to 5,510.22 in early trading.

There has rarely been a dull moment this year. A 20% fall in the UK equity market by early March has given way to close to a 50% bounce.

London trading got off to a shaky start this morning after the Fed warned of a fragile recovery in the US.

Banks led the FTSE to an early gain in Thursday trade following reports Bank of America (BoA) is poised to repay its $45bn US Government bailout.

A sharp 1% rise for the Dow Jones in early trading has extended gains for the FTSE 100 this afternoon, as fears over Dubai debt exposures continued to wane.

London investors are still wary after last week's request by Dubai World for a six-month standstill on debt repayments raised concerns about possible default.

European shares were lower this morning in early trading (FTSE Eurofirst 300 -0.6%; FTSE 100 -0.6%).

In London, shares opened up strongly this morning with the FTSE 100 up 1.7%, as miners and energy stocks were driven by buoyant commodity prices.