The FTSE100 was 6.8 points higher at 5,665 with the FTSE250 down 26.2 points at 9,093.1 and the FTSE Smallcaps 8.8 points weaker at 3,318.1.

Volume was thin with just 2.43 billion shares changing hands in 310,450 deals.


Oil prices slipped back after initially turning higher after the weekly US fuel inventory report showed that crude supplies rose more than expected. The Energy Information Administration said crude supplies rose by 1.4 million to 347.1 million barrels, well above analysts' expectations of a drop of 200,000 barrels.


Crude futures went 20 cents lower to $69.14 a barrel by London's close.


Today’s look at individual Stocks:


Supermarket group J Sainsbury was lower today, dropping 2p to 321p, as a better than expected first-quarter sales update prompted investors to cash in on recent gains.


Next closed down 12p at 1,600p and Marks & Spencer closed down 3.5p at 566.5p.


ITV was a good gainer today, up 2.25p at 105.25p, as the broadcaster announced plans to raise its cash return to shareholders to £500 million, up from £300 million previously, in a trading update today. The group also raised its targets for some non-advertising revenues.