Listed hedge fund Man Group was the biggest riser in early trading (1002) as share price increased by 3.2 per cent to 248.2p.

The hedge fund saw share price rise following reports of a broker upgrade.

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) British Land (BLND.L) and Land Securities (LAND.L) were also among early risers, amid positive broker coverage.

British Land added 1.8 per cent to its share price rising to 562p, while Land Securities increased by 1.2 per cent to 747p.

Both Imperial Tobacco Group (IMT.L) and high street retailer Next (NXT.L) saw share prices rise by 1.3 per cent to 2,031p and 2,188p, respectively.

Commercial broadcaster ITV (ITV.L) was the biggest faller (at 1005), shedding 1.4 per cent down to 73.2p.

Vedanta Resources (VED.L) and Barclays (BARC.L) fell 1.1 per cent to 2,306p and 298.45p, respectively.

Miner Rio Tinto (RIO.L) and Royal Bank of Scotland Group (RBS.L) both shed 0.9 per cent to 4,310p and 43.14p, repsectively