FTSE back level despite strong start

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The FTSE100 has given up a strong early start in mid-morning trading, with HBOS continuing to slide below its rights issue level. The blue-chip index is currently just 4.50 points (0.08%) higher to 5625.30.

Pharmaceutical group Shire is leading the way after Goldman Sachs raised its rating to ‘buy’; it is 4.33% ahead to 831.50. Mining stocks are going well, with Eurasian sitting 2% higher to 1481. The high oil cost is also driving BG Group further ahead, up 1.79% to 1253.00 Property companies are losing the most ground, with Land Securities down 3.66% to 1290 and British Land 3% lower to 743. More bad news for HBOS as the FSA ended its investigation into short selling of the lender; it is 3.28% lower to 273. In New York, Wall Street was pounded on Friday as a gloomy banking statement and h...

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