Miners strike fears hit FTSE

Xstrata was the biggest drag on the index with a fall of 3.18% to £23.47, following strike fears about its nickel operation in Canada, while Kazakhmys fell 2.8% to £10.76, and BHP Billiton dropped 2.4% to 936p. Drax also continued its losing streak ending 2.78% lower at 699.5p, while Amvescap slipped 2.44% to 600p, although losses were limited by Corus which ended the session up 0.9% to 558p. Tobacco stocks also performed well, with Imperial Tobacco Group leading the risers with gains of 2.58% to £21.06, while British American Tobacco added 1.2% to £15.17, Centrica rose 0.94% to 376p, a...