UK stocks struggle as Boeing suspends 737 production amid security concerns

Britain's main index lost ground on Monday after rounding off a solid week while investors awaited fresh updates on the Brexit process, and industrials slipped on a read-across from Boeing cutting 737 aircraft production.

The exporter-heavy FTSE 100, which had scaled six-month highs for the most of last week, was down 0.1 per cent by 0718 GMT, as a stronger pound also weighed, while the midcaps also dipped by the same amount. Sterling edged higher as a long extension to UK's exit date - which currently stands at April 12 if a deal is agreed - is expected and a no-deal prospect has diminished, while investors await a crucial European Union summit on Wednesday.

Melrose was among the biggest losers on the blue-chip index after Boeing, the world's largest planemaker, on Friday announced plans to slash its monthly production of 737 aircraft by nearly 20 per cent. The output cut followed two deadly crashes and signalled it does not expect aviation authorities to allow the plane back in the air any time soon.

Financial stocks were the biggest drags in early deals, while the world's largest caterer Compass slipped 1.3 per cent after a Bernstein rating downgrade. Among steep fallers on the midcaps was luxury carmaker Aston Martin with a 4.3 per cent drop after Deutsche Bank cited Brexit-related uncertainties, global automotive market volatility and cut the rating on the stock.

Industrials, led by a 1 per cent drop in Meggit after the Boeing production cut, were the biggest drag on the FTSE 250. Outshining the market was ailing department store chain Debenhams, which surged 13 per cent after retailer Sports Direct offered to underwrite a 150 million pound rights issue in exchange for its boss Mike Ashley taking over as CEO. 

(With inputs from agencies.)