US markets have continued to make gains overnight on the back of positive data on the job market.
The FTSE 100 sold off sharply in early trading alongside indices across Europe as fears over a break-up of the region swept across markets once again.
Update (1:07pm): The FTSE briefly joined the bear-market club on Tuesday before regaining most of the day's losses as global markets continue to experience extreme volatility.
The FTSE 100 opened down 0.37% or 19.09 points to 5,139.76 as Friday's sell-off on Wall Street dragged the index lower.
The FTSE was flat in early trading this morning at 5345.24 points as Europe's markets regained some composure after going into temporary freefall over the past two days.
The FTSE was off 0.83% at 5365.96 points this morning despite the largest miners regaining some of the ground they lost yesterday.
The FTSE opened better than expected in early trading Friday after concerns over Dubai's financial health sent Asian markets plummeting.