FTSE ahead but sliding

Standard Life is still basking in yesterdays sales jump announcement, leading the morning gains up 17.5 points, or 5.375, to 343.5. Royal & Sun Alliance’s first-half profit beat forecasts, driving it up 6.5 points early, or 4.78%, to 142.50. Yell Group is also doing well in early trading, up 18.75 points, or 4.03%, to 483.5. Kazakhmys, the London listed Kazakhstan natural resources company has lost early footing, dropping 36 points, or 2.94%, to 1190. Smiths Group, the medical equipment manufacturer, is down on news expects similar profits to the same time last year, currently 28 points...