Property stocks weigh on FTSE

Although retailer Next was the biggest loser with a fall of 6.41% to £22.47, after it announced trade had been “extremely volatile” and suggested first half sales could see a 1-4% fall, while DSG International slipped 2.22% to 171.8p. Property companies slumped led by Land Securities which fell 4.11% to £19.35, closely followed by Hammerson which slipped 2.56% to £15.98, while Slough Estates dropped 2.41% to 750p. However, losses were limited by Intercontinental Hotels which climbed 8.37% to £13.72, as news the Barclay Brothers had increased its stake in the firm to 9.16% have led to in...