FTSE remains stable

Following yesterday morning's sharp drop and recovery through the day, the FTSE 100 index of leading UK stocks is holding steady today and has gained about 3 points to 5,141 in morning trading. With little guidance from the US - markets were closed there for a national holiday - it will be up to dealers here to set their own path, at least until US markets open later this afternoon. Asian markets were without guidance earlier today as well, and Tokyo's Nikkei 225 index lost 229.27 points to close at 10,050.98. Gainers and losers have been decidely mixed so far. CGNU leads...