Sector movers: Miners retreat on falling metals prices

23rd May 2011 16:41

Every sector finished flat or in the red on Monday, as heavy losses were felt across the board.Metals and mining was the worst performing sector of the day as the eurozone crisis rolled on, weighing on commodity prices.The spotlight had turned to Italy, as Standard & Poors changed its stance on the nation to 'negative', from 'stable'. Among the factors that worry S&P are the fragility of prime minister Silvio Berlusconi's ruling coalition. The situation dampened copper prices, and also the demand for share of South American copper miner Antofagasta, which was among the heaviest fallers on the FTSE 100.Top performing sectors so far today-Bottom performing sectors so far todayIndustrial Metals & Mining 7,438.99 -3.81%Technology Hardware & Equipment 732.53 -2.75%Construction & Materials 3,933.34 -2.58%Oil Equipment, Services & Distribution 25,140.34 -2.54%Health Care Equipment & Services 3,775.08 -2.50%