The FTSE 100 got off to a weak start, dropping half a percent in opening trading despite stronger-than-expected growth figures for March.
Fresh data from the Office for National Statistics showed a 0.2% rise in GDP month-on-month in March. A flat month had been forecast after 0.5% growth in February.
An hour into trade, the blue chip index was 37 points down at 8,548.
3i Group PLC (LSE:III) is the biggest faller, down 6.7% despite reporting a solid set of results.
The Sage Group PLC (LSE:SGE) is next, down 4.5% after its interim results, which beat consensus.
Meanwhile, ITV PLC (LSE:ITV) has warned that a sharp drop in second-quarter advertising revenue is coming. The broadcaster and television producer reported a 4% rise in group revenue for the first quarter, as growth from Studios offset a decline in advertising revenue.
And Aviva PLC (LSE:AV.) has reported a strong start to the year, with growth across its business lines that has reinforced confidence in achieving its targets for this and next year.
