FTSE 100 movers: Defensive stocks lead risers

7th Dec 2012 15:27

Defensive stocks, such as those in the utilities, tobacco and pharmaceuticals categories, were performing well today, as they benefited from risk aversion which has put a dent in the mining sect this morning. Centrica, Imperial Tobacco and Shire were among the best performers. Polymetal was also putting in a decent performance. The company has had a good week, revealing it would give $191m back to shareholders after a solid set of financial results. Meanwhile, IAG was a big faller, losing 1.5%. The company's airline, Iberia, is gearing up to deal with strikes ahead of the busy Christmas period. Workers are protesting over the company's plan to slash 22% of its workforce in 2013. Commodities trader and mining giant Glencore was trading lower despite receiving the approval from the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China for its acquisition of Viterra, the final regulatory green light needed to take over the Canadian agribusiness. Sector peers Xstrata, ENRC and Antofagasta joined Glencore in the red. Marks & Spencer was pulling back after a strong rise on Thursday. Market rumours yesterday linked retail tycoon Sir Philip Green to a possible bid for the High Street giant, as speculation followed Green's sale of a 25% stake in Top Shop last week. However an Arcadia spokesperson denied such speculation yesterday when questioned by Sharecast. FTSE 100 - RisersCentrica (CNA) 336.50p +1.48%IMI (IMI) 1,086.00p +1.31%Experian (EXPN) 1,049.00p +1.25%Diageo (DGE) 1,875.50p +1.16%Shire Plc (SHP) 1,885.00p +1.13%Polymetal International (POLY) 1,078.00p +1.13%Burberry Group (BRBY) 1,295.00p +1.09%Aviva (AV.) 366.20p +0.96%Johnson Matthey (JMAT) 2,432.00p +0.87%Carnival (CCL) 2,451.00p +0.86%FTSE 100 - FallersITV (ITV) 101.00p -1.94%International Consolidated Airlines Group SA (CDI) (IAG) 171.20p -1.83%G4S (GFS) 248.30p -1.51%Xstrata (XTA) 1,026.00p -1.49%Marks & Spencer Group (MKS) 392.90p -1.23%Pearson (PSON) 1,176.00p -1.18%Tesco (TSCO) 335.90p -1.09%Glencore International (GLEN) 342.25p -1.00%British Sky Broadcasting Group (BSY) 759.00p -0.98%BT Group (BT.A) 234.00p -0.97%BC