The FTSE-100 Index slipped below the 6100 mark this morning as another poor showing on Wall Street last night and weak opening by European markets depressed London shares.
The blue chip index was off 16.9 points at 6096.5 just before 9am on another thin day for corporate announcements.
Bank of Scotland put on 13p to 723.5p as it announced its bid for Hill Hire had become unconditional.
And Allied Domecq – up 4.5p to 348p – gained on rising speculation it is set to be receive a takeover bid from French group Pernod Ricard.
Furniture group DFS jumped 16p to 316p despite posting a 25% slip in full-year profits. The fall was slightly less than forecast and the group buoyed the mood with an upbeat outlook and the announcement of a 10p-a-share special dividend payout.
Elsewhere in the retail sector, JJB Sport continued its rise – up 31p to 472.5p on the back of upbeat results issued yesterday.
Technology group XKO unveiled a software package for internet trading. The prospects of the group taking a sizable share in the e-commerce market sent its shares leaping almost 35% – up 60.5p to 237.5p.
EGi News 14/10/99
The Press Association
