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Version 0 Version 1
London Market Report London Market Report
(about 3 hours later)
(Open): Shares in Argos and Homebase owner Home Retail Group rose after the firm posted a strong increase in sales. (Noon): Shares in Argos and Homebase owner Home Retail Group had a mixed morning after the firm posted a strong increase in sales.
The FTSE 250 firm's shares climbed 1.4p to 202p after it said it had seen an "encouraging" start to the year. After rising at one point, the shares then fell back to stand down 2.3%, despite the group saying it had seen an "encouraging" start to the year.
Underlying sales at Argos rose 4.9% in the 13 weeks to 31 May, while home improvement chain Homebase enjoyed a 7.9% sales increase. Underlying sales at Argos rose 4.9% in the 13 weeks to 31 May, while Homebase enjoyed a 7.9% sales increase.
The FTSE 100 was little-changed, with the benchmark index down just 3.98 points at 6,834.89. The benchmark FTSE 100 index was up 2.98 points at 6,841.85.
Mining shares were among the biggest fallers over worries about the strength of China's economy, which is the world's biggest consumer of metals.Mining shares were among the biggest fallers over worries about the strength of China's economy, which is the world's biggest consumer of metals.
Anglo American shares were down 3.8%, Rio Tinto dropped 2.2% and BHP Billiton was 2.1% lower. Anglo American shares were down 3.5% and Rio Tinto dropped 3%.
Airlines were having another tough day. Shares in the sector had fallen on Wednesday following news of a profit warning from Germany's Lufthansa, and they took another hit after gloomy news from Aer Lingus.Airlines were having another tough day. Shares in the sector had fallen on Wednesday following news of a profit warning from Germany's Lufthansa, and they took another hit after gloomy news from Aer Lingus.
The Irish airline warned its annual operating profits were likely to be 10-20% lower than last year following strike action by cabin crew.The Irish airline warned its annual operating profits were likely to be 10-20% lower than last year following strike action by cabin crew.
Shares in British Airways owner IAG fell a further 9.2p to 390.80p. Shares in British Airways owner IAG fell a further 1.9%.
On the currency markets, the pound rose 0.2% against the dollar to $1.6828 and climbed 0.3% against the euro to 1.2441 euros. On the currency markets, the pound rose 0.2% against the dollar to $1.6825 and climbed 0.3% against the euro to 1.2440 euros.