London's stocks opened lower on Thursday morning after losses on Wall Street, profits warnings from US companies and increasing tension over Iraq

Aviva shed 1.8% and Legal & General shed 3.2% in e ...

London's stocks opened lower on Thursday morning after losses on Wall Street, profits warnings from US companies and increasing tension over Iraq.

Aviva shed 1.8% and Legal & General shed 3.2% in early trading to lead the early decliners.

The FTSE 100 opened 1% lower at 3,866.4 and the FTSE Techmark dropped 0.4% to 633.3.

The early falls are a blow to the sector which had enjoyed slight gains yesterday.

Global strategist at investment bank ABN Amro Chris Johns said: "We've seen several sharp rallies on short-covering like this one on Wall Street several times recently, by choice I would call them bear-market bounces. They have faded quickly and slowly, but they have all faded."

The 2025 Insurance Times Awards took place on the evening of Wednesday 3rd December in the iconic Great Room of London’s Grosvenor House.

Hosted by comedian and actor Tom Allen, 34 Gold, 23 Silver and 22 Bronze awards were handed out across an amazing 34 categories recognising brilliance and innovation right across the breadth of UK general insurance.
Many congratulations to all the worthy winners and as always, huge thanks to our sponsors for their support and our judges for their expertise.