London stock market unchanged by midday

Special Report:Global Financial Crisis

LONDON, Dec. 10 (Chinese media) -- A jump in Rio Tinto shares failed to lift the London stock market, with the FTSE 100 index barely changed by Wednesday's midday

Rio Tinto shares rose more than 16 percent after the mining firm announced plans to cut debts by 10 billion pounds (about 11 billion U.S. dollars).

However, after rising in early trade the FTSE 100 index was down 10.51 points, or 0.24 per cent, at 4,370.75 by 12:45 GMT.

Shares in the retail sector came under pressure, with Marks and Spencer down 4.9 percent and Next 4.2 percent lower.