Hanson weighs down FTSE

Hanson is currently the biggest faller, with a loss of 9p, or 1.44%, to 614p, after it forecast a rise in pre-tax profit this year but said weak demand in the UK and high energy costs were a risk next year. Meanwhile ICI has dropped 4p, or 1.21%, to 327p, while defence group BAE Systems has also slipped 4.25p, or 1.21%, to 346p, after Merrill Lynch cut its rating on the stock to 'neutral' on valuation grounds. Smaller energy stocks Tullow Oil and Dana Petroleum are also struggling. Tullow Oil has dropped 2.24% to 262p, while Dana Petroleum has fallen 10% to 918p, as the oil explorers ...