Uncertainty over the progress of Ireland's debt rescue and China's efforts to control inflation combined to unsettle world markets today.

The Footsie index of 100 blue-chip stocks has recovered from an earlier 30-point fall to stand 0.4 points ahead of its opening price at 5796.5 by lunchtime.

The Footsie index of 100 leading stocks is off 20.5 points by 9am to stand at 5775.6, with technology and telecoms shares once again feeling much of the pressure.