Insurers decline in mixed FTSE opening

clock

The FTSE100 has recovered well this morning after a slow start for financials, with miners spearheading the revival. London's blue-chip index is still in the red however, 9.50 points (0.18%) lower to 5366.90.

Most of the negative financials sentiment surrounds HBOS, which saw shareholders snap up just 8.29% of its £4bn rights issue. Insurers Aviva and Friends Provident are struggling so far, down 5.01% to 512 and 4.28% to 82.80. Pharmaceutical giant Shire is also in decline, 4.48% lower to 736. Oil services group John Wood is leading the way, up 4.14% to 402.75. Miners are also higher, with Kazakhmys 2.96% ahead to 1392 and Anglo-Australian giant BHP Billiton 2.94% up to 1647. In New York, Wall Street was mixed on Friday with gains for the Dow Jones IA offset by losses to the tech-heavy ...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Economics / Markets

Advisers highlight uncertain political and fiscal future after Starmer resignation

Advisers highlight uncertain political and fiscal future after Starmer resignation

Prime minister’s exit places chancellor Rachel Reeves’ position ‘inevitably’ under scrutiny

Isabel Baxter
clock 22 June 2026 • 5 min read
OBR independence 'a major advantage' for UK economy

OBR independence 'a major advantage' for UK economy

Treasury Committee hearing

Alex Sebastian
clock 20 May 2026 • 4 min read
Bank of England warns of future rate uncertainty after vote to hold at 3.75%

Bank of England warns of future rate uncertainty after vote to hold at 3.75%

One vote to hike rates

Michael Nelson
clock 30 April 2026 • 2 min read