Insurers drag FTSE lower

Amvescap was the biggest loser with a fall of 5.04% to 565p, closely followed by Legal & General which declined 3.19% to 155p, while Old Mutual declined 3.18% to end at 161.6p. Scottish & Newcastle also slipped 2.84% to 531p, while British Land dropped 2.79% to £15, although losses were limited by retailer Next which posted the biggest gains with a rise of 2.22% to £23.53. Power companies also performed well with Drax up 1.76% to 779p, while national Grid added 1.09% to 788.5p, BG Group advanced 1.04% to 731p, and oil company BP climbed 1.56% to 552p. In the US the Dow Jones Industria...