dow jones industrial average

Top UK stocks drifted lower in a quiet start to the session as investors locked in gains after the FTSE reached a new 12-month high before the weekend.

US blue chips barely moved off the starting blocks in opening exchanges despite Government data showing US unemployment in August reached its highest level since 1983.

A revival in appetite for UK mining firms, spurred by a rebound in metal prices, helped to push up the UK's benchmark index in early exchanges.

US stocks pushed ahead in early trading on Tuesday after a report showed a revival in manufacturing activity in August following a year and a half of contraction.

UK blue chip shares fell following the Bank Holiday weekend as investors locked in profits from miners.

US stocks advanced for a fourth session as investors cheered a surprise rise in home sales in July.

US shares gained as investors took heart from better-than-expected US GDP numbers, showing the pace of economic decline is slowing.

In the US, blue-chip stocks trailed as investor sentiment turned cautious after a two-week rally.

US stocks traded lower as a number of disappointing trading statements curbed recent investor appetite.

The FTSE 100 index has ended the day up 20.5 points, or 0.32%, to 6,417.8, as an increase in metal prices pushed mining stocks higher.