Sector movers: Mining stocks take a hit

15th Apr 2011 13:03

Mining stocks were under the weather today, as higher-than-expected inflation figures in China have led some to anticipate tightening measures by the government, which could have an impact on the demand in metals.Blue chips Vedanta, BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto are in the red.A big mover in the sector was Australian gold producer Norseman Gold, which has seen its share price plummet by almost 50% after it said slow progress at some of its operations means it will make an operating loss this year. Meanwhile, the real estate investment trust sector is the best performing sector as of early afternoon Friday.FTSE 250 peers Derwent London and Great Portland Estates are both higher.---bcTop performing sectors so far todayReal Estate Investment Trusts 2,135.71 +1.52%Mobile Telecommunications 4,060.33 +1.39%Personal Goods 19,690.17 +1.27%Tobacco 29,573.84 +1.25%Household Goods & Home Construction 6,147.73 +1.21%Bottom performing sectors so far todayForestry & Paper 6,134.29 -0.70%Mining 26,500.65 -0.63%Banks 4,748.12 -0.58%Oil & Gas Producers 8,546.96 -0.44%Real Estate Investment & Services 1,580.59 -0.24%