London Report: Fears over Scotland and Asos statement pull down markets
BRITAIN’S top share index fell yesterday, with financial stocks underperforming as investors showed reluctance to buy up new positions before tomorrow’s Scotland independence referendum.
The FTSE 100 index closed down by 0.2 per cent, or 11.97 points, at 6,792.24 points, with a fall in major financial stocks weighing on the market.
Retail shares took a beating after poor updates from online fashion group Asos, down nine per cent to 2,207p, following its warning that investment would hold back full-year profits. Jacamo and Simply Be owner N Brown, 4.84 per cent lower at 385.40p following a 0.6 per cent dip in first-half revenues.
With Brent crude adding one per cent after recent falls, Royal Dutch Shell A shares rose 0.96 per cent to 2,411.50p, while BP was 0.86 per cent better at 472.35p.
Among other risers Antofagasta added 0.07 per cent to 762p as Deutsche Bank moved from sell to hold with an 820p price target. Anglo American was up 0.60 per cent at 1,497.50p as the bank issued a buy recommendation.