In the UK stocks have declined, sending the benchmark FTSE 100 index to its first back-to-back slide in three weeks, as mining companies including Antofagasta and Xstrata have slipped.
The benchmark has so far slipped 39.4 points, or 0.7%, to 5818. Royal Bank of Scotland, Lloyds TSB Group and Diageo have all helped pace the decline as the companies traded without the rights to their latest dividends. Antofagasta, which owns copper miners in Chile has lost 41p, or 2%, to 1980p. The shares have risen 6.1% this year compared to a 3.7% advance in the FTSE 100. Copper futures in Shanghai fell for a third day today amid concern investors and speculators may reduce holdings of commodities. Copper for delivery in May fell 320 yuan, or 0.7%, to settle at 45,600 yuan ($5,667)...
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