Morning Markets Update: Shares pause ahead of GDP figures

Share prices hold on to the bulk of their early gains, with mining shares heading the list of major risers as the dollar weakens afresh.

By 10am the FTSE 100 index was up 41 points at 5782.31, while sterling slumped to a 7-month low against the euro ahead of UK GDP figures later this week.

Antofagasta claimed number one spot at £13,23, up 64p, additionally helped by a Goldman Sachs rating upgrade. The broker also had a buy recommendation for Anglo American, 57p better at £29.73.

Next benefited from a positive note from Bank Of America, up 40p to £23.53 and Burberry attracted fresh investment support at £10.31, up 37p.

Diageo improved 9p to £11.89 following a report that it may bid for LVMH's drinks division Moet Hennessy.

ARM Holdings rose 6.5p to 390p ahead of figures this week, but Pearson receded further to 966p, down 10.5p, as the group said some of its markets remained subdued in the third quarter.

Banks presented a lacklustre picture, with Lloyds off 1.60p to 70.240p after a cautious note from Credit Suisse.

Favourable comment underpinned Mitie Group at 212p, up 8p and London Stock Exchange were wanted at 736.64p, up 32.5p.

Acquisition news and a buy recommendation from UBS boosted IMI 17.50p, to 831p, with the broker also positive on Cookson at 590.5p, up 12.5p.