FTSE stays level despite HBOS losses

HBOS, the UK's No.4 bank, lost 1.2% to 878p, while Northern Rock, the eighth-largest, declined 0.8% to 810.5p, after the government reported house prices in England and Wales increased at the slowest annual rate in almost a decade. Associated British Foods also dropped 12.5p, or 1.5%, to 804p, after the maker of Twinings teas said annual profit dropped 2.6% as the company spent money to expand its Primark discount-clothing chain and prepare for acquisitions. Meanwhile Yell rose 1.6% to 477.25p, its eighth straight gain, after saying first half profit rose 18% to £711m, boosted by new ...