Dow Jones

The FTSE was modestly lower in early Thursday trade following reports Greece may yet seek financial aid from the IMF because of disillusionment over the prospects of help from the EU.

A decision by the US Federal Reserve to keep interest rates on hold boosted sentiment in London this morning.

The FTSE 100 was up 0.65% or 36.43 points to 5,630 early this morning as the rumoured RBS debt restructuring boosts financial stocks.

The FTSE 100 was up 11 this morning at 5,613 points, with financials peppering both sides of the gainers and losers tables.

The FTSE 100 opened flat following a mixed performance in the US overnight. The UK index was up 0.07% or 3.07 points to 5,610.

Financials rose this morning, but could not prevent the FTSE falling 0.2%, or 8.8 points to 5475.28.

Miners continue to lead the FTSE 100 into positive territory after rising copper prices led to a strong showing yesterday.

Noland Carter, chief investment officer at Heartwood Wealth Management, talks to Emma Dunkley about product selection and how ETFs compare with other investment vehicles

Mining shares helped the FTSE 100 jump more than 56.81 points (1.1%) to 5,411.33 in early trading after copper prices hit a five-week high following the earthquake in Chile.

The Dow Jones opened more than 20 points lower Friday after AIG posted a $9bn Q4 loss.