Matt Buckland Support Quotations

London equities continue to edge higher as the week progresses with rising oil prices, due to increased U.S. gasoline demand, lending a degree of support to the petrochemicals companies.

The fact that we're approaching the end of the quarter is being seen as a key driver here, although a generally buoyant mood amongst equities in Japan and much of Europe appears to be providing some support here too.

Whether the FTSE can break through the key 5,800 barrier remains to be seen but there's little fundamental data around just now that could support an extended rally.

Whether the FTSE can break through the key 5800 barrier remains to be seen but there's little fundamental data around just now that could support an extended rally.

Crude is back above $61 a barrel -- something that will buoy the likes of Shell and BP -- and in turn give the FTSE some support in early trade, but once again the implications this news has on industry as a whole may yet weigh on broader stocks in the days ahead.