FTSE slides on string of disappointing earnings

Reuters led the fallers, slumping 11.47% to 399.50p, after a disappointing outlook and news that profit slumped from continuing operations. It pencilled in revenue growth of around 5% for the coming year, saying the figure includes acquisitions and a percentage point of growth from its restructuring programme. Centrica dropped 3.54% to 285.75p, despite reporting a big hike in full year turnover and profit as it said the long-term strength of the group is dependent on British Gas delivering a “fair and reasonable” profit. Defence company BAE Systems also fell 5.87% to 421p because of a...