markets

The FTSE has broken through 6,000 this morning, following a strong performance from the US with the Dow Jones soaring to a two year high.

US GDP grew to an annualised rate of 3.2% in Q4 2010, driven by consumer spending.

London's leading share index was down 0.37% at 5954.39 in early trading on Thursday, stemmed by disappointing results from US companies and weakness in Asia.

The FTSE has dipped 1% after a steady morning session as sentiment was hit following China's move to curb rising inflation in the country.

The FTSE 100 was up 1.09% or 60.17 to 5588.44 at 10.20am, shrugging off yesterday's dull showing after concerns over the eurozone debt left the index firmly in the red.

Banks led the FTSE 100 index 0.6% higher in early trading to 5,704.96 as investors showed their relief after Ireland agreed an €85bn (£72.5bn) rescue package.

The FTSE took its early lead from strong gains in Asia rather than muted US markets, up by 0.5% to 5,723.51.

The FTSE had climbed significantly by lunchtime after positive results from a number of major companies.

The FTSE advanced in early trading on Thursday following two days of losses as Shell posted bumper Q3 profits.

Legal & General has been forced to publish part of its third-quarter results more than two weeks early after mistakenly sending the figures to analysts.