(MENAFN- ProactiveInvestors) UK shares finished little changed with hopes of a compromise over Greek debt negotiations offset by more disappointing data from China.
Chinese inflation in January was not as high as expected which suggests demand in the Chinese economy is not as vibrant as assumed.
Miners such as Antofagasta and were among the hardest hit blue-chip stocks but it was () not noted for its reliance on the Chinese economy that was the worst performer after heavyweight broker JP Morgan cut its rating and price target on the company.
It slashed the rating to 'neutral' from 'overweight' predicting reduced mail volume and lower pricing to hit earnings next year.
’s shares shed 4.9% at 432p.
Oil stocks were also friendless as the price of West Texas light sweet crude tumbled 4% and Brent Crude gave back 2.5%.
() fell 3% to 934.3p and () retreated 2.4% to 915.4p.
() meanwhile declined 1.8% to 414.3p after selling off a 40% stake in an exploration venture in shallow waters offshore Mauretania to () which was unchanged on the news.
The FTSE 100 finished down eight at 6829 and the fall would have been larger but for support for retailers.
High Street bellwether () was wanted after an upgrade from Royal Bank of Canada.
Marks was up 4.9% to 498p while sector peers Next and Dixons Carphone were also in the blue.
In the mid-cap space online gaming firm 888 () climbed 26.5p to 171.5p after it confirmed it had received a bid approach from bookie ().
Among the small caps () shot up 275% to 0.15p having struck an £81000 deal in the Piemonte region of Italy.
The firm is to buy 70% of KEC Exploration which owns an exploration permit for nickel and associated base and precious metals called the Ivrea project.
Shares in flight simulator specialist () went 19% higher to 25p as it reported a significant increase in profits in the year just gone.
On the downside () lost around a fifth of its stock market value after a disappointing drilling result.
The company revealed that the latest well in its drilling programme at the Keg River project in Canada found and produced oil but contained too much water to be economic given current oil prices.
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