Footsie on course for 25% annual fall
The FTSE 100 Index looks certain to complete the year 25% lower than it started, though it stands 20.8 points higher at 3921.4.
Supermarkets are making most of the running ahead of crucial trading updates in the New Year as Safeway is up 3.75p to 206.75p and Sainsbury's is ahead 2.5p to 280p, although Tesco has eased 0.25p to 193p after an earlier gain.
The market is being sustained by banking stocks with Abbey National 9p stronger at 515p, Royal Bank of Scotland up 21p at 1492p and HBOS 9p brighter at 653p.
Oil stocks also continue to rise after a subdued start to the session with BP ahead 5p at 429p and Shell 2.25p stronger at 408.5p.
But most nerves are being shown in the travel sector as British airports remain on alert amid fears of a New Year terror attack.
BAA has fallen 2% - 9.5p to 491p while British Airways is also off 2.75p at 136.25p.
The drinks sector also appears to be suffering from a hangover despite the prospect of one of the busiest nights of the year. Scottish & Newcastle is down 5p to 460p while Allied Domecq has eased 3.25p to 398.5p.
Elsewhere, news that Aggreko chief executive Philip Harrower died in a car crash in the United States has sent its shares down 4%, or 5.5p, to 147.5p.
