Benchmark companies such as British Land, Hammerson and Land Securities all gained more than 1.5% in a slightly lower London market as investors looked to try and benefit from a positive real-estate market.

Overall, the FTSE 100 index slipped 0.4%, or 22.30 points, to 5,862. Mining shares were weighing on the U.K. index, with BHP Billiton in focus after both companies denied that they were interested in buying Australia's Alumina Corp shares rose 2.3% after it said it's hired Merrill Lynch to help it explore whether Hard Rock Cafe should remain part of the company.

In broker action, AstraZeneca was downgraded to hold from buy by ING, with the broker saying after a recent rally, the rewards no longer outweigh the risks. Shares slipped 1.6%. to buy from hold, citing valuation. Shares gained 1.1%. See global markets page.
Also in the sector, Berkeley Group and insurance company Prudential. Berkeley shares rose 1.3% while Prudential fell 0.5%.

By M. Sese
http://realestatepress.org