Wall St drags FTSE lower

Despite serving up a record first half profit, BHP Billiton fell 3.98% to 1,014p after investors were left uninspired by the figures and had already factored in the $3bn share buyback. Anglo American fell 3.64% to 2,380p, Vedanta dropped 0.58% to 1,362p and Antofagasta slipped 0.46% to 436p on mixed metal prices. Fund manager Schroders fell 2.38% to 903p after it began trading without the right to the latest dividend. Support services group Brambles Industries topped the risers, gaining 4.74% to close at 447.25p, after it delivered a profit of $589m from $475m last year with better...