Financials fuel early FTSE gains

The FTSE has had a bright start to trading with a host of financials enjoying early gains.

London's leading index ticked up 0.14% to 6062 this morning, with Barclays, Royal Bank of Scotland, Lloyds Banking Group and Old Mutual all featuring on the leaders board.

Resolution and Investec shares have also enjoyed a boost as the index builds on yesterday's rally.

Resolution, the consolidation vehicle for life insurers, saw its shares advance 0.72% whilst Investec edged up 0.67% within the first half hour of trading.

Meanwhile across the pond the Dow Jones closed on a high, up 0.74% to 12719, after strong performances from Intel, Alcoa, JP Morgan Chase & Co, Microsoft and Bank of America.

The Nasdaq closed at 2872, up 1.36% after China Auto Logistics climbed 72.41% and Apac Customer Services leapt by 55.15%.

Mirroring these gains, the Nikkei 225 advanced 0.66% this morning.