Financial market research and analysis

Ex-divs have pared some 6.37 points from the FTSE this morning. Once again, the heady resistance presented around the 6450 levels have held the index back and we now look for the 6250 level to hold if any additional upside is to be considered.

Anglo American (+0.85%) – The plan to slash its dividend is really not so much of a surprise given the slump in commodity prices and the companies aims to cut costs. A dividend cut by U.K.-based Anglo would be the second from a large mining company in recent months

BAE Systems (-0.79%) The British multinational Aerospace and defence group BAE Systems announced a bond issue totalling $1.5 billion

EasyJet (-1.04%) The low-cost airline are looking for a strong finish to a turbulent year as they report a rise in November passenger numbers.

SAB Miller (-0.16%) The acquisition of SABMiller by AB InBev in a $110 billion takeover bid is coming under scrutiny by 23 consumers who have filed a lawsuit in order to stop the takeover which would ultimately create a monopoly in the beer market. Hipster activists exist.

Berkeley Group Holdings (+6.89%) The British property developer have hit year highs today as they expect to hit profit target .

Whitbread (-3.52%) Cut to equalweight at Barclays.

Sage Group (+3.35%) a plethora of broker upgrades has pushed the stock higher with brokers citing increased confidence that management will improve margins and accelerate growth


We call the Dow higher by 80 points.