The FTSE 100 index is 38.7 points, or 0.7%, lower at 5,859.1 points this morning, led by concerns over global interest rates and a fall in copper prices.
Mining stocks have taken about 9 points off the FTSE, with BHP Billiton down 2.70% at 938p and Antofagasta 2.85% lower at 2,043p. Oil and gas stocks like BP are also under pressure, reacting to a 2% slide in US crude oil prices in the previous session. BP is down 1.10% at 630p. BT has fallen 1.08% to 229.25p after investment bank ABN AMRO cut its rating to "sell" from "hold". A Merrill Lynch downgrade has also sent property firm Liberty International 1.94% lower to 1,111p. Britain's largest-listed insurance broker and mid-cap Jardine Lloyd Thompson has fallen 10.67% to 397.50p after...
To continue reading this article...
Join Professional Adviser for free
- Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
- Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
- Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
- Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
- Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
- Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes