London shares are lower for a second successive session as traders await Chancellor Gordon Brown's Budget reading.
With Monday's euphoria over US troops entering Baghdad now over, attention has switched back to the economy and the contents of the statement.
That uncertainty, particularly over Mr Brown's growth forecasts, prompted the FTSE 100 Index to drift, easing 15 points at 3853.8 in the first hour.
There had been little help overnight from the Dow Jones Industrial Average - virtually unchanged during a subdued session.
The Footsie's biggest move was made by ICI after the paints and chemicals group announced the departure of its chief executive Mr Brendan O'Neill.
He presided over a profits warning last month and paid the price at a board meeting yesterday. Shares rose 6 per cent, or 6.25 pence to 110.5 pence, as investors welcomed his successor, ICI Paints boss Mr John McAdam.
Outside the top flight, figures from discount retailer Matalan showing a 9 per cent rise in pre-tax profits to £117.4 million sterling drew a 3 per cent rise in shares - up 4.25 pence to 157.25 pence.
But the going was tough for bookies Stanley Leisure after it warned some unfavourable results, including at the Cheltenham festival, would leave its mark on City forecasts. Shares slumped 24 per cent or 88.5 pence to 279 pence.
PA