The Dow Jones share index closed below 30,000 at its lowest level in more than a year.
Read moreFTSE 100
Latest updates
By Tom Espiner
Business reporter, BBC News
By Beth Timmins
Business reporter, BBC News
By Russell Hotten
BBC News
By Russell Hotten
BBC News
By LaToya Harding
Business reporter, BBC News
FTSE 100 up ahead of Budget announcement
Simon Read
Business Reporter
Copyright: Getty ImagesImage caption: FTSE 100 riser Whitbread owns the Premier Inn hotel chain The FTSE 100 blue-chip index has made a positive start to the day ahead of the Budget statement, climbing 75 points to rise 1.14% to at 6,689.
“The positive performance of the FTSE 100 may help put a little more pep in Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s step as he makes the journey from Number 11 Downing Street to the House of Commons,” said AJ Bell investment director Russ Mould.
Whitbread, owner of the Premier Inn hotel chain, led the Footsie risers amid suggestions the furlough scheme and business rates holiday will both be extended, supporting the hard-pressed leisure and hospitality sector.