Economics / Markets

The FTSE100 has started strongly this morning after the Bank Holiday break, with brewer SABMiller leading the index 19.10 points (0.31%) higher to 6106.40.

In London, markets fell as falling copper prices hit the mining sector and the FTSE 100 lost 94.3 points (1.53%) to 6,087.3.

The Bank of England (BoE) is following an inappropriate interest rate policy that may have to be amended in order to stem a further economic slump, according to Bill Mott, manager of the PSigma Income fund.

A rather sluggish start for the FTSE100 this morning as the mining sector gives up some of the strong gains made earlier in the week. The index is currently 27.20 points (0.44%) lower to 6154.40.

Following this morning's record high in the cost of oil, at above $135 per barrel, BlackRock's Robin Batchelor says prices are likely to remain high for some time yet, triggering a strong re-rating of energy shares.

The FTSE100 is ahead this morning as mining stocks fill four of the top five positions in early trading, the index is currently 17.40 points (0.28%) up to 6215.50.

The FTSE100 has opened strongly this morning after yesterday's poor session, with oil groups driving the index up 38.90 points (0.63%) to 6230.50 so far.

In London, shares fell as mining firms dropped recent gains and other firms revealed disappointing sales figures, putting the FTSE 100 down 184.9 points (2.9%) 6,191.6.

A huge rights issue from Imperial Tobacco has unsettled London markets this morning, with the FTSE100 currently 47.70 points (0.75%) lower to 6328.80.

The mining sector is once again masking other areas of difficulty for FTSE100 stocks this morning; the index is currently 12.80 points (0.2%) to 6317.10.