FTSE 100 set for modest gains

The FTSE 100 is set for a steady start despite a poor showing this morning by Asian markets. Spread betting quotes piont to the the top-share index edging up half a dozen points from last night's close of 5,972. That's despite the Nikkei 225 plunging 230 points to 15,967 this morning in Japan while Hong Kong's Hang Seng index was off 112 points at 19,251 heading into the final hour of trading. Overnight, US markets fell back, with the S&P 500 down nine points at 1,918 while the Dow Jones was off 40 points at 16,413. The Nasdaq Composite fell 47 at 4,88. UK retail sales are due out today, with economist expecting a month-on-month rise of 0.8% in January. On the results front, updates are expected from Standard Life (LON:SL.) and Segro (LON:SGRO).