Metals dictate flat markets

The mining group has picked up 26p to £12.82 on speculation Chinese demand for raw materials will climb, and analysts have subsequently upgraded its stock value. Mobile brands Vodafone and O2 have also advanced 2.35p to 143p and 1.75p to 122.5p respectively after Vodafone today launched a mobile phone handset designed for the older generation. Centrica, the parent firm of British Gas, has lost 3p to 227.75p, along with Scottish Power, down 5p to 434.75p as Centrica has agreed to sell its gas transporter arm, British Gas Connections to Kellen Venture. In Tokyo, stocks declined on the back...