Wall Street share prices fell back in early trade as poor results from Microsoft dragged tech stocks downwards.
The UK economy shrank by more than expected in the second quarter of 2009, figures reveal.
London shares fell back slightly this morning as investors await the latest set of economic figures.
The Dow Jones held its level in early trading today, despite worrying results from Morgan Stanley.
The FTSE 100 retreated for the first time in seven days this morning as financial stocks fell out of favour.
The Dow Jones climbed more than 50 points after a volatile start to trading on Tuesday, as US Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke forecast unemployment would remain high into 2011.
The FTSE 100 extended its rally this morning, marking six straight sessions of gains.
On Wall Street, the Dow Jones followed gains in stock markets across Europe.
In London, markets experienced strong, early growth, with banks and miners leading the pack.
Cheery results for a trio of US bluechip giants kept the Dow Jones in with a shout of posting positive gains for a fifth straight day on Friday.