LONDON — It was a glum week for the FTSE 100 (INDEXFTSE:UKX), with the index of top U.K. stocks losing 98 points (1.5%) to end on 6,287. Fears over commodities demand has depressed mining stocks yet again, with some commentators even suggesting the index is heading back below the 6,000 level. And there has been mixed news from China, after a report of lower-than-expected inflation was followed by disappointing growth figures.
Here are some of the biggest-moving FTSE 100 (INDEXFTSE:UKX) stocks this week.
GlaxoSmithKline plc (ADR) (LSE:GSK)
The GlaxoSmithKline plc (ADR) (LSE:GSK) price headed further upwards ahead of first-quarter figures expected on Wednesday, gaining 82 pence (5.2%) to 1,652 pence, despite accusations late in the week of market abuse. Charges that the pharmaceuticals giant paid off rivals to delay the introduction of generic alternatives to its depression medication Seroxat could result in a fine of up to 30% of relevant turnover — but that would be a relatively small amount for a company of its size. GlaxoSmithKline plc (ADR) (LSE:GSK) insists that it has acted within the law.
Polymetal International PLC (LON:POLY)
Mining stocks suffered badly again, with Polymetal International PLC (LON:POLY) hitting a 52-week low of 700 pence on Friday, though it ended a little up on that figure at 714 pence. The fall, of 145 pence (17%) over the week, came even though the Russia-based miner of precious metals released relatively positive results for 2012. But the falling price of gold, which hit a two-year low at the start of the week, certainly doesn’t help.
The article FTSE Shares That Soared and Plunged This Week originally appeared on Fool.com is written by Alan Oscroft .
Alan Oscroft has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends GlaxoSmithKline, Tesco, and Vodafone Group (LSE:VOD) and owns shares of Tesco.
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