FTSE

The FTSE 100 edged past the 5,600 mark in early trading Monday, helped in part by a 2% gain for Prudential which has accelerated its plans for a listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

World stock markets rose after midday on better-than-expected US jobs data.

The FTSE opened higher this morning at 5,555.68, up 28.52 (0.52%), following gains in Asia and the United States overnight.

ETFs provide low-cost exposure to a range of diversified asset classes for ISA investors seeking to obtain returns in a low interest rate environment, says Barclays Stockbrokers.

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.

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.

US and European markets tumbled this afternoon amid fresh concerns over the state of the US economy.

The FTSE opened marginally higher this morning, rising by 18.7 points, or 0.4%, to 5333.79.