Vodafone buoys up FTSE

The FTSE 100 Index went into reverse today after heavy falls for tobacco and pub stocks offset a strong performance by market heavyweight Vodafone.

Forecasts of profit-taking by US investors later today added to the negative sentiment as the Footsie lost hold of a modest gain in the first hour of business to stand 24.3 points lower at 4778.8 by mid-morning.