IN the UK the FTSE 100 index of leading share closed down 55.4 points to 5,372.4 at dragging the benchmark down to a two-week low as investors fretted about global growth prospects, although the hard hit mining sector rebounded towards the end of the session.
Anglo American ended 59p, or 3.7% higher to 1650p, topping the FTSE 100 leaderboard, followed by gains for Rio Tinto of 56p, or 2.53%, 2270p, Xstrata of 28p, or 2.02,% to 1417p and Antofagasta of 25p, or 1.7%, to 1497p. Cadbury Schweppes was the heaviest faller. The shares lost 28p, or 4.8%, to 558.50p after the group warned it was unlikely to meet its margin target for 2005 because of rising costs. In the US, stocks rose as General Electric lifted the lower end of its annual profit forecast and oil prices declined. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 44.91 points, or 0.5%, to 10,3...
To continue reading this article...
Join Professional Adviser for free
- Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
- Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
- Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
- Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
- Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
- Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes