US economic pressure holds FTSE bank

A US government report yesterday said economic growth has been at its slowest for two years and businesses have cut spending, which in turn damages the profit potential of some of the UK’s largest companies. The FTSE 100 index is currently at 4789, as two stocks are falling for every one which rises, and the FTSE All-Share index is down 0.1% to 2391.42. Building supplier Hanson is facing asbestos liabilities and has had to set aside almost $500m to cover it, so its share price is down 4.5p or 3% to 465p. Emap, the publisher, is also down 15.5p or 2% to 773.5p while Amvescap, the mo...