After a poor finish yesterday, the FTSE 100 index has started flatto a better start with gains of 2.7 points or 0.05% to 5,504.2, as oil stocks such as BP are advancing as US crude oil prices held around $61 a barrel, but PartyGaming has slipped after a ratings cut.
Topping the list of FTSE gainers is Royal Dutch Shell with gains of 16p, or 0.89%, to 1,806p, while BG Group is following a close second, up 4.5p, or 0.82%, to 552p. BP is also up 5p, or 0.79%, to 635.5p. On the downside, PartyGaming has fallen 7.5p, or 5.54%, to 128p, after Lehman cut its rating on the stock to "underweight" from "overweight" following a strong rally in the stock on the back of hopes for further growth in the sector. Mining shares have also fallen back after gold shed 1% in Asian trade and dealers said they expected a steep correction in the price of the precious metal...
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