FTSE 100 movers: ITV hit by strike and stiff BBC competition, miners lower

UK stocks rebounded from early losses, but remained restrained by concerns of Greek instability. Sector wise, miners and technology services provided the biggest drag, while insurers and utilities gave a welcome boost.

At 1:45 BST, the FTSE 100 was trading 12 points higher at 6,962.

ITV declined as, despite net advertising revenue for the first quarter being ahead of guidance, as sentiment was dampened by reports of a lower second quarter. Competition from the BBC's continued investment in new drama series' weighed on viewing figures, which were down 3%. To make matters worse, staff are holding a 24-hour strike over pay with a protest at the broadcaster's annual shareholder meeting.

Heavyweight miners and energy stocks including Anglo American and BHP Billiton were in the red as a result of lower commodity prices on global growth concerns.

A number of blue-chip stocks were trading lower after going ex-dividend, including Aberdeen, Shell, Glaxosmithkline, Kingfisher and J Sainsbury.

GlaxoSmithKline was also hit by a downgrade from Swiss broker UBS, which lowered its rating from 'buy' to 'neutral' on grounds that the company's updated cost structure had prompted lower earnings estimates.

Meanwhile, Investment group 3i was making gains after impressing with annual results featuring a strong total return of 20% for the year.

Pharmaceutical outfit Hikma advanced as it reiterated its guidance for full-year revenue growth of "around 6% in constant currency". Strong sales growth in the company's injectables business compensated for increased competition on other products.

Merlin Entertainments was on the rise after its trading statement showed group revenue 7.2% ahead in the 4 months to 2 May, while like-for-like sales grew 3.3%. However the company, which also owns the Sea Life brand and Legoland theme parks across the globe, gave a cautious outlook for the rest of the year.

Risers
3i Group (III) 529.00p +3.32%
Mondi (MNDI) 1,458.00p +3.11%
Centrica (CNA) 284.00p +2.68%
Hikma Pharmaceuticals (HIK) 2,073.00p +2.12%
St James's Place (STJ) 940.00p +1.62%
Fresnillo (FRES) 760.50p +1.47%
Babcock International Group (BAB) 1,096.00p +1.39%
Pearson (PSON) 1,320.00p +1.38%
Smiths Group (SMIN) 1,142.00p +1.24%
International Consolidated Airlines Group SA (CDI) (IAG) 562.50p +1.17%

Fallers
Anglo American (AAL) 1,106.00p -2.25%
TUI AG Reg Shs (DI) (TUI) 1,181.00p -2.15%
Sainsbury (J) (SBRY) 269.60p -2.14%
Aberdeen Asset Management (ADN) 435.60p -1.80%
Kingfisher (KGF) 354.60p -1.77%
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) 1,426.00p -1.69%
ITV (ITV) 255.90p -1.58%
BHP Billiton (BLT) 1,548.00p -1.37%
Taylor Wimpey (TW.) 180.00p -1.26%
Royal Dutch Shell 'A' (RDSA) 2,020.00p -1.25%