Redrow was the latest of a string of housebuilders to say dwindling consumer confidence had hit sales, as it warned that first-half profits would be lower than last year. the Times, Daily Telegraph, Guardian

The number of homes sold in the six months to December fell by almost 5% to 2,111. Forward sales were even worse, dropping 9.4% to 1,694.

Redrow shares closed down 6 at 261p after the Bank of England decided against cutting interest rates.