nikkei 225

Global markets have been boosted by news of a ceasefire in Libya, rising oil prices and intervention by the G7 nations to suppress the value of the yen.

UK blue chips made small gains in early trading after heavily sold-off Japanese shares ended a three-day rout to climb sharply overnight.

Japan's stock market lost almost 7% after its first full day of trading following the earthquake and tsunami that struck the country on Friday.

The FTSE100 fell in early trading as concerns over EU debt problems offset any reassurance the market might take from easing oil prices.

London's leading share index rose this morning, recovering from yesterday's fall following news the UK economy contracted by 0.5% in the fourth quarter of last year.

London's leading share index was down 0.37% at 5,954.39 in early trading on Thursday, hampered by disappointing results from US companies and weakness in Asia.

The FTSE 100 closed at its highest level since 2008 last night but has fallen back in today's trading following late weakness in the US.

The FTSE edged 0.1% lower to 5,853.66 points in early trading as company-specific news guided price moves.

The Shanghai Composite surged 2.9%, its biggest advance since mid-October, as China held interest rates steady despite rising inflation.

The FTSE edged 0.4% higher to 5,574.98 points in early trading, recovering some of yesterday's 2.1% loss.