FTSE 100 Turns Weak; EasyJet Flies Higher After Agreeing To Takeover Offer

After a flat start and a subsequent upmove that took it to a four-month high, the UK stock market slipped into negative territory on Monday with the mood turning a bit cautious after data showed continued contraction in the nation’s construction sector activity.

The benchmark FTSE 100, which advanced to 10,734.36, was down 26.31 points or 0.2% at 10,652.72 about a quarter past noon.

Halma and Fresnillo drifted lower by 2.5% and 2.4%, respectively. Airtel Africa, Associated British Foods, IMI, Diploma, Spirax Group, Games Workshop, Whitbread, Intercontinental Hotels Group and Smiths Group shed 1.5%-2%.