FTSE 100 News

The British capital's benchmark FTSE 100 gained 0.2 percent as investors awaited finance minister Philip Hammond`s budget presentation to parliament, due at 1200 GMT.

 US stocks resumed their upwards push Friday, while the British pound retreated after weak economic data revived talk of monetary stimulus.

Investors brushed off increasing worries about Greece`s future in the eurozone after talks between the bloc`s Eurogroup of finance ministers fell apart Thursday.

The euro slipped about 0.6 percent on the day to $1.1197, and was down 0.5 percent against the yen at 138.27."With no deal in sight, expectations for default and exit are likely to rise sharply in the days ahead," said Elsa Lignos senior currency strategist at RBC.

"European equities are trading moderately lower this morning after yesterday`s rally had come to an abrupt halt on the back of reports that the IMF has halted negotiations with Greece due to a lack of progress," said analyst Markus Huber at brokerage Peregrine & Black.

Europe`s main stock markets fell at the start of trading on Thursday, with London`s benchmark FTSE 100 index losing 0.30 percent to 6,809.57 points.

MSCI`s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was nearly flat in late afternoon trading, after early dropping to its lowest intraday level since April 7. 

The dollar surged 0.6 percent against the Japanese currency to 122.36 yen, breaking above the 122 level for the first time since March 10 and reaching an eight-year peak. 

Global stock markets surged in a "Santa Claus rally" on Thursday as dealers welcomed the outcome of the US Federal Reserve meeting which signalled an interest rate increase was not imminent.

European equities slid on Tuesday as news of a sharp slowdown in eurozone business activity stoked fears over the timid economic recovery.

Europe`s main stock markets rose at the start of trading on Tuesday, extending a surge on Monday.

European stock markets rose on Monday, supported by a Portuguese state rescue for Banco Espirito Santo.

Europe`s stock markets diverged on Monday in mixed trading, ahead of a busy week for economic news, dealers said.