In London, share prices moved upwards as markets opened this morning, though the index is volatile following signs of economic weakness in the US.

Wall Street shares rose slightly ahead of the Fed's latest interest rate decision, with investors hoping for clues on how the Fed will control inflation.

London trading got off to a positive start this morning after the Dow Jones narrowed a large deficit over night.

US shares dropped almost 1% in early trading as a fall in commodities prices drags on the benchmark Dow Jones.

Top UK stocks drifted lower in a quiet start to the session as investors locked in gains after the FTSE reached a new 12-month high before the weekend.

On Wall Street, markets fell back slightly on the anniversary of Lehman Brothers' collapse.

The head of UK equities at Scottish Widows Investment Partnership (Swip) Robert Waugh has left the firm.

UK inflation has fallen to its lowest level in over four years, according to official statistics.

The FSA is to begin taking action against firms over structured products backed by Lehman Brothers.

Morgan Stanley CEO John Mack has announced he will step down at the end of the year.