The trend for the FTSE during November has been steadily downwards, with the index on course for a 2.1 per cent loss for the month, despite hitting highs four weeks ago. This would mark the worst monthly performance since July leading to increased fears of a double dip recession. The financial sector performed poorly in the morning's trading with banks dropping all round. Barclays was the worst performer shedding 1.8 per cent as investors showed reluctance to put their confidence in the banks with doubts over whether the Irish package is sufficient. Other financial firms also suffered with Standard Life the biggest FTSE faller, dropping 2.1 per cent and Schroders losing 1.2 per cent. However, the miners prices pushed upwards, ignoring the euro dilemma hitting the market. With the price of copper increasing, Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton both added 0.9 per cent to their price. With the price of gold also strengthening, Barrick Gold rose by 1.0 per cent as it announced further reserves of the yellow metal had been discovered in Tanzania. Integrated oilers did not fare as well as the miners with crude oil prices dropping slightly and most firms dropping slightly, with BP down 0.1 per cent. BG Group proved the exception to the rule as it added 0.9 per cent, helping to boost the sector. The market also saw two significant blue-chip risers, Carnival and BT Group, both firms benefitting from improvements in review ratings.

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