FTSE 100: Investors switch on ITV as large-caps sink

Bringing up the rear was, Essar Energy down 7.5pc as Credit Suisse downgraded its recommendation for the Indian refiner to "neutral" from "outperform" on short-term financing concerns.

"Essar still offers a strong growth and long-term cash generation profile, but we need more clarity on near-term financing and progress on negotiations with the state government and lenders," said analysts.

International Personal Finance claimed pole position on the second tier, advancing 10.5pc as the overseas doorstep lender posted record annual profits.

Interserve climbed 4.5pc. Although annual revenues were flat at the business, whose services range from cleaning Sainsbury’s supermarkets to building shopping malls in the Middle East, it pointed to a £5.6bn forward order book.

National Express accelerated 5.6pc as a strong performance at its US school bus and UK coach businesses supported annual profits.