The FTSE 100 ended the day up just 17.9 points at 5620.7 as a falling oil price cut both ways for different stocks.
Travel groups were among the top gainers in the FTSE 100, grateful that a sharp dip in the price of fuel would ease pressure on their cost base.
Cruise company Carnival was the FTSE 100's biggest percentage gainer, up more than 7% or 139p to close at £20.30.
Thomas Cook rose 16.75p to 246.5p, while TUI gained 12.75p to 229p.
However, energy companies such as John Wood and Tullow Oil figured prominently in the roll call of losers.
John Wood slipped 26.75p to 428.5p, down almost 6%, making it the FTSE 100's top faller, while Tullow lost 40.5p to end the day at 750.5p.
The mining sector also suffered from declining commodity prices.
Sainsbury's climbed 21.25p to 370p as rumours about a buyout persisted for a fourth day.
