Among the morning’s main movers were the precious metal stocks as the price of the gold firmed.
Fear rather than greed was the overriding emotion, pushing the price of an ounce of the yellow metal higher with concerns over the state of the world economy uppermost in traders’ mind.
Remember gold is the go-to store of wealth in times of uncertainty – and 2015 has started on a slightly nervous note.
There are lingering worries over China’s ability to continue to grow at rates predicted, Europe doesn’t appear to be able to extract itself from the mire and the amber warning lights have triggered for in the US.
As a result, the bullion price was up US$3.10 at US$1,186.50 in early trade, according to Kitco.
Here in the UK, Stratex (LON:STI) and Centamin (LON:CEY) led the way with rises of 3.8% and 2.7% respectively.
Value investors spread their nets a little wider, with platinum producers Jubilee (LON:JLP) and Aquarius (LON:AQP) up 5.7% and 3.7%. Silver miners Hochschild (LON:HOC) and Arian (LON:AGQ) also put in a strong early performance.