FTSE down despite strong oil and miners

HBOS’ poor forecast for the UK housing market pummelled Wolseley; the plumbing firm led the losses down 5.68% to 531.50. Insurers were among the worst performers, with Legal & General at the forefront, down 5.22% to 128.90. Cruise ship operator Carnival was also smashed, down 5.16% to 2040. International Power was the best performer on a strong day for the sector, 3.73% higher to 430.50. Oil giants did well as crude pirce pushed $104 a barrel, with BG Group up 3.47% to 1164. Environmental services group Severn Trent did well also, closing ahead 2.76% to 1453. In New York, the Dow Jone...