US stock markets opened down this afternoon, paring earlier gains by the FTSE 100 index, which still managed to close up 8.4 points at 4,515.90.
Tomkins added most, up 12p to 261.5p after reporting a jump in quarterly earnings. BG Group gained 12.5p to 323.75p after bid speculation hit the stock. Some investors are betting that a bigger oil major will attempt to grab the gas exploration and extraction company. BAE Systems added 5.25p to 189.5p on its reported 2003 full-year profit, including a stronger second half pushed by contract wins in the US defence market. British Airways climbed 6p to 314p after another industry report pointed to growing passenger numbers. Abbey closed down 65p at 485p after reporting another full...
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