London open: Stocks flat early on ahead of German vote and economic data

Strong gains from Lloyds, IAG and Old Mutual were not enough to lift markets on Friday as UK stocks held steady near record levels.The FTSE 100 was trading 0.07% lower at 6,945.11, after having settled at an all-time closing high of 6,949.73 on Thursday.Markets were directionless early on ahead of a barrage of economic data due out during the session, along with a German decision on whether or not to approve the Greek bailout extension."Whilst Germany is likely to vote 'yes' to the extension, this process has revealed just how strained relationships are between the two countries, something that doesn't bode well for when this issue inevitably arises once more in four months' time (or sooner)," said Connor Campbell from Spreadex.There will be plenty on the economic data schedule for investors to digest on Friday, including German retail sales, UK and US consumer confidence, German inflation and US gross domestic product (GDP).As for US GDP, analysts are predicting revised estimates to show 2% annualised growth in the fourth quarter, down from the initial estimate of 2.6%.Lloyds, IAG and Old Mutual riseInvestors at Lloyds celebrated the company's resumption of a dividend for the first time in six years, even if 2014 results came in below expectations. Statutory profits before tax roared more than fourfold higher to £1.8bn, but came in well shy of the consensus expectation for £2.6bn.Sector peer RBS however was extending declines after missing forecasts with its annual results on Thursday.BA owner IAG was flying higher after reporting operating earnings 80.5% higher at £1.4bn for 2014, thanks partly to cheaper fuel, while its Iberia division swung from a loss to a profit. chief executive Willie Walsh said the Spanish unit's "turnaround has been remarkable".Improving economic growth in Britain and the US saw insurance and investment group Old Mutual report a better-than-expected 16% increase in its operating profit for 2014, after a year of significant strategic development.UK shopping centre owner Intu Properties declined after a fall in rents led to a 2.9% fall in underlying earnings per share, disappointing the City which had expected no change.Diversified mining group Rio Tinto underwhelmed with plans to streamline its product groups and corporate functions, dividing up its energy division as it looks to cut costs and simplify its structure.Other miners such as Randgold and Fresnillo were also weaker early on.Meanwhile, shares in retinal imaging group Optos surged 30% after a cash offer from Nikon for £259m.Market MoverstechMARK 3,161.85 -0.13%FTSE 100 6,945.11 -0.07%FTSE 250 17,247.38 -0.01%FTSE 100 - RisersInternational Consolidated Airlines Group SA (CDI) (IAG) 586.00p +4.74%InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) 2,660.00p +2.50%Kingfisher (KGF) 367.00p +1.86%Pearson (PSON) 1,416.00p +1.43%Lloyds Banking Group (LLOY) 79.58p +1.38%Standard Chartered (STAN) 988.30p +1.26%Old Mutual (OML) 225.90p +1.21%Associated British Foods (ABF) 3,085.00p +1.18%Smiths Group (SMIN) 1,161.00p +0.96%Intertek Group (ITRK) 2,489.00p +0.77%FTSE 100 - FallersIntu Properties (INTU) 364.80p -2.07%Royal Bank of Scotland Group (RBS) 379.90p -1.73%Capita (CPI) 1,163.00p -1.52%Meggitt (MGGT) 545.50p -1.36%SABMiller (SAB) 3,671.00p -1.13%Rio Tinto (RIO) 3,163.00p -0.91%Fresnillo (FRES) 816.50p -0.91%London Stock Exchange Group (LSE) 2,479.00p -0.88%BG Group (BG.) 961.60p -0.87%Randgold Resources Ltd. (RRS) 5,125.00p -0.87%FTSE 250 - RisersRightmove (RMV) 2,841.00p +6.32%Allied Minds (ALM) 530.00p +3.31%Card Factory (CARD) 284.30p +3.31%PZ Cussons (PZC) 325.30p +3.01%Premier Oil (PMO) 172.20p +2.93%Petrofac Ltd. (PFC) 897.50p +2.51%FirstGroup (FGP) 103.50p +2.07%Rentokil Initial (RTO) 132.00p +1.85%BlackRock World Mining Trust (BRWM) 324.90p +1.82%Hunting (HTG) 478.60p +1.51%FTSE 250 - FallersAfren (AFR) 9.20p -4.37%Hikma Pharmaceuticals (HIK) 2,484.00p -3.31%IMI (IMI) 1,379.00p -3.16%Berendsen (BRSN) 1,114.00p -3.13%Computacenter (CCC) 741.00p -2.50%Redefine International (RDI) 56.75p -2.49%Saga (SAGA) 185.30p -2.32%William Hill (WMH) 382.40p -2.07%Daejan Holdings (DJAN) 5,810.00p -1.94%RPS Group (RPS) 266.20p -1.66%