FTSE

The FTSE100 has given up most of its strong opening gains this morning, with financials and miners among the early strugglers.

The FTSE100 is on the edge of entering its own ‘bear market' this morning, less than two days after the Dow Jones IA retreated under bear territory.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average officially entered a ‘bear market' on Wednesday after a fresh oil record led to a further fall for US blue-chips stocks.

London markets have opened well this morning with strong pharma and resource stocks fighting off stunning losses to M&S and the retail sector. The FTSE100 is currently 22.90 points higher (0.42%) to 5502.80.

Concerns over the outlook for the global economy have caused stocks to slump across the world.

London markets opened better than expected this morning allaying fears stocks could follow another Wall Street slump on Friday. The FTSE100 is currently 18.10 points (0.33%) ahead to 5548.00.

Mining and oil stocks helped London's blue chip index to close just above flat - up a scant 5.87 points, or 0.1% -- as oil prices rose again, and traders contended with earlier falls on Asian markets and declines on the Dax and CAC-40.

London markets have opened lower again this morning after record oil prices and financial concerns led to 24-hours of carnage for global indices.

A late decline on Wall Street has translated into a sluggish start for London markets this morning, with the FTSE100 currently down 48.10 points (0.85%) to 5618.

News the Clive Cowdery-led Resolution Ltd is looking to control lender Bradford and Bingley has fuelled a positive start for London markets this morning. B&B itself is 14.39% ahead this morning, to 75.50.