FTSE down despite strong energy and miners

Ex-dividend period factors hit the Admiral Group; it fell 4.59% to 759.50. Standard Life was punished on a poor day for insurers, the Edinburgh-based firm closed the session 4.43% lower to 253.25. Compatriot Old Mutual also fell sharply, down 4.04% to 121. Cairn Energy and the BG Group did well on a top day for the energy sector, 4.48% to 2960 and 3.34% to 1236 higher respectively. Miners also enjoyed a top day at the office; Vedanta was 2.78% up to 2332, BHP Billiton climbed 2.38% to 1804 and Anglo American jumped 2.31% to 3370. In New York, the Dow Jones IA is sliding this morning as...