"Months of war" rumour quashes positive investor spirits

UK stocks fell to close down again today as concerns grow that war in Iraq will last for months not weeks, and hinder the anticipated retail and consumer recovery. The benchmark FTSE 100 Index lost 64 points or 1.7% to 3729.1, led in part Boots, the high street pharmacy, lost 5.7% to 545 pence after revealing pretax earnings forecast excludes the £55m cost of shutting its Wellbeing Services unit and closing other stores. Austin Reed Group fared much better and leapt 19.5p or 17% to 135p after receiving an approach which could lead to a takeover of the company. Edinburgh Fund ...