(There will be no
* FTSE 100 up 0.4 pct
* FTSE set for worst quarter since 2011
* Cyclicals lead gains
By Kit Rees
The blue chip FTSE 100 was up 0.4 percent at7,072.42 points by 0900 GMT, while mid caps gained 0.5percent as traders prepared for a market holiday.
Gains in cyclical stocks, which are more dependent on theeconomic cycle, added the most points to the index. Shares inminers Anglo American, BHP Billiton and Glencorewere among the biggest gainers, rising 1.5 percent to2.4 percent as the underlying price of copper ticked higher.
However, the first quarter has been a bumpy ride for Britishstocks, marred by a spate of profit warnings, troubles in theretail and outsourcing sectors as Brexit uncertainty also hangsover the region's equities.
"There's been negative sentiment towards
"What we've had in 2018 is more of a global phenomenon, sowe've have had a bit of volatility returning to markets," saidKhalaf, adding that this is a more normal state of affairs formarkets.
On the domestic front, high street stalwarts such asDebenhams, Mothercare and Moss Broshave all tumbled after profit warnings, examples of a toughenvironment for retailers struggling in a digital age.
The collapse of outsourcer Carillion has furtherdented confidence in
The outlook is uncertain not just for
A shock spike in volatility in February rattled global stockmarkets, which have also been hit by concerns over the prospectof a global trade war and a tumble in the heavyweight
(Reporting by Kit ReesEditing by Keith Weir)
