Pick of the early market news

Despite thin trading, the FTSE 100 climbed 0.37% yesterday. The biggest winners were automotive player GKN and Man Group, rising 3.26% and 3.08% respectively. Lux retailer Burberry also saw a 2.28% rise. Today, markets will be absorbing the impact of Standard & Poor stripping the European Financial Stability Fund (EFSF) of its AAA credit rating. Meanwhile gold is again on the rise (above $1,650 an ounce).