Sector movers: Vodafone drags telecoms lower

16th Nov 2011 15:41

Vodafone has fallen nearly 4%, providing a drag in the telecommunications sector.The stock went ex-dividend today, hence the fall, meaning that investors no longer have the rights to receive the most recently-announced dividend.In other Vodafone-related news, according to Reuters, Dutch telecoms firm KPN has opened the books at its Spanish operations to prospective buyers, including British telecoms operator Vodafone.Meanwhile, a strong rise for FTSE 250 house-builder Barratt Developments has cemented gains in the household goods and home construction sector.Barratt said today that reservations jumped 25.9% in the second half so far, compared with the same period in 2010. The average price it is achieving on sales has increased by 7% on 2010 and now stands at £207,000. Barratt has also booked 3,221 forward sales, up 27.4% on the prior year and gives its net debt figure of around £400m. Evolution Securities analyst Mike Bessell said "Barratt has clearly mapped out its path to recovery, and this IMS is a clear indication of that being delivered."Meanwhile, head of dealing Prime Markets Richard Curr, said: "With higher selling prices, lower cancellation rates and an increase in active sites, Britain's best known housebuilder is sending a clear message that the UK housing market as a whole is in recovery mode."Shares were nearly 8% higher by 15:45, while sector peer Persimmon was making gains of 0.87%.BCTop performing sectors so far todayOil Equipment, Services & Distribution 22,199.57 +1.05%Industrial Transportation 2,187.30 +1.00%Household Goods & Home Construction 6,373.58 +0.81%Oil & Gas Producers 8,391.68 +0.59%Technology Hardware & Equipment 759.96 +0.54%Bottom performing sectors so far todayPersonal Goods 21,047.25 -1.85%Mobile Telecommunications 4,025.91 -1.54%Financial Services 4,613.97 -1.29%Industrial Metals & Mining 4,115.54 -1.29%Life Insurance 3,701.82 -1.28%