Aim-listed shares were seeking direction in early trading, while the FTSE 100 followed the lead of US markets and retreated.
The FTSE 100 was down 42 points at 6,340, with weak resource stocks responsible for a large part of that fall.
The FTSE AIM 100 fared a bit better, shedding just two point at 3,444, while the broader-based FTSE Aim All-Share was a fraction of a point firmer at 734.
Apart from the inexplicable rise of technology and gaming-focused investment company Blue Star Capital PLC (LON:BLU) – up 68% at 0.168p – there are no explosive risers so far today.
MBL Group PLC (LON:MUBL), the distributor and wholesaler of home entertainment products, repeats yesterday's 13% advance that was prompted by corporate lawyer Timothy Jackson-Smith and banking veteran Christopher Jones.
Investment company Tanfield Group PLC (LON:TAN) advanced 0.93p to 14.55p as it updated on the prospects for Snorkel International Holdings, the aerial work platform (AWP) business in which it has a 49% stake.
The majority stakeholder is still keen to buy out Tanfield at some point in the future and Tanfield said that, although the AWP market remains competitive, Snorkel continues to make progress and should results in a return to Tanfield shareholders in the future.
A contract win for eServGlobal Limited (LON:ESG, ASX:ESV), the dual-listed provider of mobile financial services, lit a fire under the share price in London.
Shares rose 4.6% to 5.75p on news it had won a significant contract, valued at €6mln over five years, to supply its PayMobile software.
Another Anglo-Aussie stock, Wolf Minerals Limited (LON:WLFE, ASX:WLF) bounded higher after it said it would use £16mln of its new equity standby this month after shareholders approved the facility last night in Australia.
Forty per cent shareholder Resource Capital Funds, the Devon-based tungsten miner’s major backer, has put up £25mln in total through the facility, which will be available for six months.
Shares will be issued at 9.19p compared to a close of 8.48p yesterday
While there may not have been any big gainers, there were a few heavy fallers, of which Goldenport Holdings Inc (LON:GPRT), the international shipping company.
Shares were beached at 1.5p, down 3.5p on the day, as the cash-strapped dry bulk vessels owner admitted failure in its attempt to refinance its loan facilities and put a number of vessels up for sale and served notice to its intention to delist.
Things are certainly not that bad for African Potash Limited (LON:AFPO), though the fertiliser trader has suffered a setback as it revealed a lack of rain in southern Africa had led to delays in certain deals.
The company said it remained confident the fundamentals of the business remain attractive, but market makers marked the shares down 0.6p to 0.85p.