FTSE ends week slightly lower March 30th, 2008

The FTSE 100 closed the week at 5,962.90, down slightly on the day by 24.6 points. Persimmon, the only housebuilder in the FTSE 100 was the biggest casualty, closing 40 points lower at 749.5p. Taylow Wimpey, Redrow and Bellway, Persimmons competitors in the FTSE 250 also ended the week lower, following Thurday’s upturn on the news that Tosca had increased its stakes in Redrow and Taylot Wimpey. Barratt Developments was the worst hit as they fell by 27.25p to 410.75p on the news that Panmure Gordon downgraded the stock to a ’sell’.The weeks most positive news came courtesy of Enterprise Inns, which ended up 45.75p (12.5%) at 409.75p on the prospect that it becomes a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) which are subject to more favourable tax rules.As usual, the FTSE 250 performance was similar to that of the blue chip index, again due to the performance of the housebuilders. The index closed down 20.7 points at 9,961.3.

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  • Selection from Glossary

    • Price Earnings Ratio
      price-earnings ratio = current market price / earnings per share This is perhaps the most commonly used ratio to compare company's within the same sector as it is quoted daily in the financial press not only for individual stocks but also for sectors and indices. It shows whether stocks are expensive or cheap relative to each other and how many years of current earnings investors are prepared to pay for. Also how optimistic the market is about future trading prospects. A relatively high price-earnings ratio will indicate a stock is expensive in relation to its peers. This might be justified because the company is seen as a leader within its sector and has above average prospects. If based on projected price-earnings, the ratio will contain an element of sentiment by the analyst. Therefore there might be bargains to be had by looking at companies with a low ratio, if you believe they are out of favour with the market rather than having fundamental problems.