US trade deficit record sinks FTSE

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In the UK the FTSE 100 Index fell a further 27 points to 4946.20 points at its close a short while ago, after the US reported its trade deficit increased to a record $61bn.

The benchmark is led by phone company Cable & Wireless, down 3.50p to 128.25p, along with Rolls-Royce Group, down 5.25p to 248p. Marks & Spencer meanwhile, advanced 13.75p to 354.75p, despite reporting a drop in sales for the sixth straight quarter. The clothes retailer however, remains adamant its 2005 profits will be at the high end of expectations. In the US the Dow Jones has slumped about 68 points to 10,381.09 points in its morning session. The increase in oil prices along with imports of Chinese textiles saw the USA trade deficit reach $61bn in February, leaving analysts to drop...

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