Market dithers as rates hopes fade

The FTSE 100 Index is down 15.9 points to 4080.6 as hopes of a rate cut fade after the publication of details of the Bank of England's interest rate decision.

The Bank's Monetary Policy Committee voted 7-2 in favour of no-change but the verdict was firmer than expected and dented hopes of an earnings-boosting rates cut for firms next month.