Sector movers: Financials fall as RSA gives gloomy update

5th Nov 2013 13:45

The insurance and banking sectors were out of favour on Tuesday, providing a drag on markets with RSA the standout faller after disappointing the market with a third-quarter update.In a earlier-than-expected statement, the company warned that weather-related losses would be greater than expected this year, meaning that the 2013 return on equity (RoE) will be below 10%, less than the 10-12% range previously estimated.The news will come as another blow to investors after the company slashed its dividend earlier in the year. The stock was down 6.21% at 121.08p in afternoon trade.This year is "proving to be an exceptionally tough year for weather events" for RSA, according to Chief Executive Simon Lee, due to continuing adverse weather in Canada and the strong windstorms seen across Europe.A raft of insurance peers were also trading lower on Tuesday with Hiscox, Amlin, Beazley, Lancashire Holdings, Direct Line, Jardine Lloyd Thompson, Admiral, esure and Catlin all registering losses.Banking stocks were also trading in the red this afternoon. David Madden, Market Analyst at IG, said that the sector "was the belle of the market yesterday due to HSBC's figures, but has been hit by profit-taking today".RBS was a heavy faller, extending losses after last week's announcement to set up an internal 'bad bank'. As well, analysts at broker Exane today downgraded the lender's shares to underperform from neutral. Domestic peers Lloyds and Barclays were also lower.Top performing sectors so far todayIndustrial Metals & Mining 1,522.27 +2.03%Mining 17,491.13 +1.98%General Retailers 2,737.48 +0.39%Health Care Equipment & Services 4,475.15 +0.12%Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology 11,545.15 +0.09%Bottom performing sectors so far todayInsurance (non-life) 1,808.66 -2.46%Life Insurance 6,725.32 -1.79%Banks 4,891.31 -1.62%Financial Services 7,387.25 -1.37%General Industrials 4,364.33 -1.12%BC