London's leading shares began the session flat as traders sought to hold on to recent gains despite a fall overnight on Wall Street.
The FTSE 100 Index opened in positive territory to build on three days of steady gains driven by renewed hopes of a quick end to the war in Iraq as US-led troops approach Baghdad.
But many traders continued to wait on the sidelines, and after initially lifting 18 points, the Footsie fell back towards its opening mark.
Last night the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost initial gains to close 44.68 points lower.
After an hour of trading in London, the blue chip index was up just 4.9 points at 3776.
Media companies were again benefiting from hopes that a short war would boost the sector, with Reuters leading the early risers up 3.25p at 112.5p and Financial Timesowner Pearson ahead 2.75p at 538.75p, while Daily Mail General Trust was up 12p at 519.75p.
There were early gains for paints and chemicals giant ICI - which lifted 2.25p to 101.25p after news of the resolution of a US legal action.
In the second division FTSE 250 Index, Anglian Water group AWG was up 11.5p to 535p after it announced it was to return £177 million to shareholders.
PA
