London stocks edged lower in early trade on Monday following a mostly downbeat Asian session, as investors eyed the release of the latest US inflation reading this week.
London stocks rose in early trade on Wednesday on the 40th anniversary of the launch of the FTSE 100 index, but gains were muted amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and ahead of the latest Fed minutes.
UK stocks edged higher to a seven-month high on Friday morning, though gains were likely to be limited in a shortened trading session ahead of the New Year's break.
London stocks rallied in early trade on Wednesday after data showed that UK inflation slowed more than expected in November, boosting rate cut hopes for next year.