Rise in property stocks slows FTSE fall

Land Securities gained 80p or 5.32% to £15.83p after the property group nearly doubled first half profits to more than £1bn and increased its dividend payment to match. The figures also buoyed British Land, which rose 24p, or 2.47%, to 997p, while Hammerson added 1.18% to 983.5p. J Sainsbury, meanwhile, fell 1.54% to 287.25p, despite reporting more recovery at its Sainsbury's chain with underlying interim profits up 14% to £168m, though group profits overall were flat at £118m. Telecoms group Cable & Wireless was also on the back foot, falling 2.5p, or 2.09%, to 117p, after it went ex-d...