Shares in British banks were mixed on the FTSE 100 in morning trading following indications that the global economy may be stabilising somewhat.

Yesterday the U.S. released better than expected data on employment, aiding hopes that the global economy may be recovering.

Meanwhile the Chinese government is reported to be planning to buy six billion euros worth of Spain's debt, in a bid to stabilise the sovereign debt crisis which plagued the eurozone for much of last year.

By 10:45 shares in Lloyds Banking Group were down 0.07 per cent to 68.48 pence per share and RBS shares declined 0.10 per cent to 40.91 pence per share.

However Barclays saw its shares rise 0.69 per cent to 282.95 pence per share and HSBC shares increased 0.68 per cent to 693.70 pence per share.

Overall the FTSE 100 was up 0.59 per cent to 6,079.79.

China Barclays HSBC FTSE