London shares fell back slightly this morning as investors await the latest set of economic figures.

On Wall Street, the Dow Jones followed gains in stock markets across Europe.

In London, markets experienced strong, early growth, with banks and miners leading the pack. The FTSE 100 added 40.81 points (0.93%) to 4,429.56 by mid-morning.

Future Capital Partners (FCP) says the business has suffered ‘minimal disruption', despite a massive fire in its offices on Friday.

The Dow Jones has risen 23.84 points (0.58%) to 8183.40 after the US aluminium giant Alcoa revealed better than expected results.

The Bank of England has shocked the City by freezing its quantitative easing programme and keeping interest rates on hold.

In London, markets climbed in early trade as insurers recovered from major losses on Wednesday. The FTSE 100 added 16.26 points (0.39%) to 4,156.49 by 8.20am.

The FTSE 100 was heading upwards this afternoon after a turbulent day of trading in London, up 18.38 points (0.43%) to 4,252.65.

London markets opened higher this morning, regaining some of Thursday's lost ground, with the FTSE 100 up 12.32 points (0.29%) to 4,246.59.