The FTSE 100 Index is stuck in a narrow trading range in the first hour of business, up 13 points at 3740.1, as a clutch of trading updates fails to inspire the market.
Banking stocks are propping up the Footsie after a strong close to the week by the Dow Jones Industrial Average failed to kickstart the London market.
With a number of banks due to report results this week, attention is on the sector, with Lloyds TSB up 6p at 400p, HBOS ahead 7p at 602.5p and Barclays 4.25p stronger at 381p.
Investors have also had a number of results announcements to digest today - but few of the companies involved made major moves.
One of the biggest stocks - WPP - is little changed in early trading after sticking to forecasts that this year will be difficult before a possible trading revival in 2004. Its shares are up 0.75p at 403.25p.
Elsewhere, BHP Billiton has risen 10p to 325.75p after announcing a rise in both turnover and earnings for the final six months of 2002.
AB Foods has lost 8p at 517p after its trading statement said its current trading is 'broadly' in-line with expectations but added that it planned ot increase its pension charges.
BAE Systems has fallen 5.75p to 115.75p after two credit agencies cut their debt ratings for the group.
Egg is ahead 2.5p at 116p after seeing its pretax loss in the year to end-December narrow to £16.6 million, from a £87.8 million sterling loss a year earlier, with the bank's core UK operation having had four profitable quarters.
PA