nikkei 225

London's leading share index was down 0.37% at 5,954.39 in early trading on Thursday, hampered by disappointing results from US companies and weakness in Asia.

The FTSE 100 closed at its highest level since 2008 last night but has fallen back in today's trading following late weakness in the US.

The FTSE edged 0.1% lower to 5,853.66 points in early trading as company-specific news guided price moves.

The Shanghai Composite surged 2.9%, its biggest advance since mid-October, as China held interest rates steady despite rising inflation.

The FTSE edged 0.4% higher to 5,574.98 points in early trading, recovering some of yesterday's 2.1% loss.

The FTSE took its early lead from strong gains in Asia rather than muted US markets, up by 0.5% to 5,723.51.

The FTSE 100 opened positively in a week set to be dominated by a slew of US economic and political news.

The FTSE 100 rose 0.9% to 5,791.10 in early morning trading as a weaker US dollar provided support for mining stocks.

The FTSE 100 rose 0.5% to 5,757.22 in early trading, despite negative company announcements across various sectors.

A $3.7bn acquisition by consumer products giant Unilever led European markets higher in early Monday trade, the FTSE 100 adding 0.2%.