The FTSE 100 opened almost 10 points lower this morning, pushing it under 6,190 points, after disappointing trading sessions across the globe overnight.
The FTSE 100 looks set to break the 6,200 level, the first time since May 2008, continuing the rally that has propelled markets since the beginning of the year.
The FTSE 100 has had the best start to a year since 1999 as investors pour billions back into global equities.
Bob Doll, chief equity strategist at Nuveen Asset Management, has made ten predictions for 2013, warning the political process in Washington D.C. surrounding the fiscal cliff is the most immediate risk.
Minutes from the latest Federal Reserve meeting suggesting its quantitative easing programme could end sooner than expected have hit equity markets overnight.
Progress in the fiscal cliff talks being held in Washington has given Wall Street a lift as the threat of a possible recession is averted.
European stocks slumped in afternoon trading ahead of a meeting of eurozone finance ministers to agree on the next tranche of aid for Greece.