Property stocks weigh on FTSE

Hammerson was the biggest loser with a fall of 1.67% to £15.88, following a bout of profit taking on rumours of a bid by British Land, which also fell 1.64% to £14.36, while Land Securities dropped 1.64% to £19.19. Reed Elsevier also slipped 1.67% to 678p, while Lonmin declined 1.59% to £39.67, although losses were limited by Royal Bank of Scotland which climbed 0.95% to 638p, following reports it plans to sell Southern Water for £4bn. However, Intercontinental Hotel posted the biggest gains with a rise of 1.51% to £14.13, closely followed by Shire which added 1.19% to £11.92, while Reu...