Shares in British banks were mixed on the FTSE 100 in morning trading as investor caution set in ahead of key data from the U.S.

Later today the U.S. will be releasing its statistics on non-farm payrolls, giving an indication of employment levels in the world's leading economy.

By 09:50 shares in Lloyds Banking Group were down 0.04 per cent to 67.22 pence per share and RBS shares declined 0.67 per cent to 40.22 pence per share.

However Barclays saw its shares rise 0.25 per cent to 278.70 pence per share and HSBC shares increased 0.26 per cent to 689.10 pence per share.

Overall the FTSE 100 was down 0.45 per cent to 5,992.48.

Barclays HSBC FTSE