The FTSE dropped 0.29%, or 18.9 points, to 6413.6p this morning following reports that Chancellor Alistair Darling wants Northern Rock to consider bids from parties other than Virgin. The bank fell 5.17%, or 6.1 points, to 111.9p this morning.
Rio Tinto fell 2.5%, or 141 points, to 5640p after the company said a $130bn (£63.2bn) takeover approach from BHP Billiton did not meet the company’s true value. British Airways rose 1.985, or 6.75 points, to 341.25p after chief executive officer Willie Walsh said the company expects to meet its profitability target for the year. WPP Group rose 1.95%, or 12 points, to626p after it won Dell’s advertising account. The Dow Jones rose 0.45%, or 59.99 points, to 13371.72c as JP Morgan Chase rose on reports it might invest $200m in the entertainment industry. Home Depot rose 2.44%, or 0.6...
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