Apple has given the tech sector a much-needed boost after last night reporting record quarterly sales of $123.9 billion (£92.6 billion).
The iPhone maker's shares rose 5% in after-hours trading as it also delivered a 20% rise in net profit for the period. Its performance means Wall Street’s Nasdaq 100 is expected to open higher after one of the most volatile weeks in its history.
London's premier index has so far weathered the tech storm, although it fell back today after nearing a fresh two-year high last night. Today's session is the last in the FTSE 100 index for mining giant BHP, which is switching its primary listing to Australia.