This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-33799929

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
FTSE 100 falls ahead of 'Super Thursday' statement Pound falls following Bank of England statement
(about 4 hours later)
(Open): The UK market fell at the start of trade as investors prepared themselves for a flurry of information from the Bank of England. (Noon): The pound fell after the "Super Thursday" news flow from the Bank of England appeared to rule out any early UK interest rate rise.
So-called Super Thursday will see the Bank of England's interest rate decision and minutes from the meeting released together at midday. Policymakers voted 8-1 to hold rates and the Bank said the outlook for inflation was "muted".
Shortly after the release, the Bank will then publish its quarterly Inflation Report. The pound fell more than a cent against the dollar to $1.5493, and was down one euro cent against the euro at €1.4210.
The FTSE 100 was down 26.50 points at 6,725.91 shortly after trading began. However, the FTSE 100 recouped some early losses to stand 5.68 points lower at 6,746.73.
A number of shares trading without the right to their latest dividend weighed on the index. BP, Anglo American and SABMiller were among some of the major companies who fell after going ex-dividend. Analysts had been expecting two of the Bank's monetary policy committee members to vote for a rate rise, with some even suggesting three could back an increase.
Shares in mining firm Rio Tinto rose 0.5% despite the company reporting a sharp drop in second-quarter profits, as the sector continues to be hit by falling commodity prices. But in the end, only Ian McCafferty voted in favour of lifting rates from the historic low of 0.5%.
"The chances of an interest rate hike before the end of 2015 have seemingly receded markedly; indeed, it looks more questionable as to whether the Bank of England will act early on in 2016," said Howard Archer, chief UK and European economist at IHS Global Insight.
On the stock market, shares in RSA Insurance fell 1.7% after Zurich Insurance said it would not overpay for the UK company. Zurich admitted last month it was considering making a bid for RSA.
Shares in mining firm Rio Tinto edged up 0.2% despite the company reporting a sharp drop in second-quarter profits, as the sector continues to be hit by falling commodity prices.
Underlying earnings fell 43% to $2.9bn, with earnings at Rio's iron ore division down 55% to $2.1bn.Underlying earnings fell 43% to $2.9bn, with earnings at Rio's iron ore division down 55% to $2.1bn.
Shares in insurer Aviva rose 1.2% after it reported half-year operating profits of £1.17bn, up from £1.07bn last year and ahead of analysts' expectations. Shares in insurer Aviva rose 1.3% after it reported half-year operating profits of £1.17bn, up from £1.07bn last year and ahead of analysts' expectations.
On the currency markets, the pound rose 0.15% against the dollar to $1.5626, and climbed 0.1% against the euro to €1.4318.