Economics / Markets

UK stocks are not faring too well this morning as BA has reported lower than expected profits and a falling copper price is affecting mining firms.

The FTSE 100 has ended the day practically unchanged with a small fall of 0.3 points to 6,149.3, as weak readings on the US economy limited a late rally.

The FTSE 100 is down 19.3 points, or 0.31%, to 6,130.3 in early trading as miners retreated after a fall in metal prices.

STRATEGISTS who called an end to the US small cap cycle were premature, said Robert Siddles of F&C, who thinks confidence in the economy has returned.

HEALTHCARE and consumer staples have been labelled defensive sectors in the latest analysis by AXA Investment Managers' strategist, Charles Dautresme.

STEWART Cowley, head of fixed income at Newton, is favouring US long-dated assets because they yield more than their yen-based equivalent by 0.75pc.

HIGHLY publicised trading losses incurred by Amaranth Advisors are not representative of the wider hedge fund industry, according to a new research paper from Killick & Co.

EEA FUND Management celebrated reaching its third birthday by posting top quartile performance figures for its two flagship funds.

STERN report findings warning climate change could shrink the global economy have prompted strong reaction from SRI specialists, with one predicting "massive economic transformation".

NEW Star has revealed proposals to reposition its Diversified Strategic Capital unit trust as an absolute return fund.