The FTSE 100 started the day in the red, adding to losses seen on Monday as the market awaits tomorrow’s spring budget.
Also weighing on sentiment was lower-than-expected retail sales data for February, with wet weather among factors limiting the rise to 1%, rather than the 1.5% seen by analysts.
Among companies, Greggs enjoyed early gains after hiking dividend payments on the back of what it said was a record year for store openings.
Estate agent Foxtons (LSE:FOXT) slipped in the meantime, after reporting higher revenue but a 34% drop in pre-tax profit following a tough year for the housing market.
And finally, housing market weakness also hit building supplier Travis Perkins (LSE:TPK), which fell itself after reporting a 40% drop in full-year operating profit on Tuesday.