FTSE pulls back as investors take profits

The index - which last week climbed around 1% to close at 6,347, its highest point since 2008 - gave back 1.2% or 72 points by mid-afternoon Monday, falling back down to 6,274. US shares are also poised to open lower today after similar moves up to multi-month highs, while European indices are also being hit by profit-taking. The French CAC 40 is off 1.5% at 3,715 points, while the German DAX is down by the same percentage at 7,716. The pullback comes after positive day buoyed markets around the world last week. US factory activity quickened in January and hiring increased, while a...