The most comprehensive reshuffle of the FTSE 100 index since the aftermath of the dotcom bubble is expected to be announced by index compiler FTSE today. Financial Times, Daily Telegraph
Seven blue-chip companies, including Northern Rock and Barratt Developments could be ejected from the index when the results of the latest quarterly reshuffle are revealed.
Punch Taverns and Mitchells & Butlers, the pub operators, Daily Mail & General Trust, the newspaper publisher, DSG International, the high street retailer and Tate & Lyle, the sugar and sweeteners group that has issued several profit warnings, are also likely to lose their places.
The changes broadly reflect the impact of the credit squeeze and the expectation that the UK economy will slow sharply next year, according to analysts.