FTSE 250 movers: Energy stocks slide as building sector blossoms

Energy stocks were lower on Friday as crude futures dropped, led by Afren and Soco International.

Weak readings on manufacturing in China, Britain and the Eurozone saw the US dollar strengthen appreciably, which again weighed on oil futures, sending investors in the oil patch again running for cover. The likes of Centamin however got a boost on the resulting strength in gold futures. There were exceptions to the weakness in the energy sector, such as with Nostrum Oil&Gas or Wood Group.

Afren traded lower despite settling claims against its former chief executive officer and chief operating officer.

Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment continued to retreat after the profit warning that was issued after the market close on Tuesday.