By Alistair Smout
LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's top share index steadied near a one-month low on Thursday, as gains in companies like BT (L:BT) and RSA (L:RSA) offset declines by companies such as Centrica (L:CNA) and Inmarsat (L:ISA) after they gave discouraging updates.
Centrica fell more than 10 percent, on track for its biggest one-day percentage drop in 19 years and wiping off about 1.3 billion pounds from its market cap, after it said it would sell shares to pay off debt.
Inmarsat, which provides communications for shipping and aircraft, fell nearly 6 percent. The company cut its revenue guidance, citing a tough trading environment and weakening demand.
The FTSE 100 index was down 0.07 percent at 6,107.80 points by 1319 GMT after falling to a one-month low on Wednesday.
Investors were also confronted by a survey of activity in Britain's dominant services industry, which showed the British economy slowed in April and may stall as consumers worry about June's referendum on whether to remain a member of the European Union.
"There has been some speculation that these poor numbers, if sustained, could prompt speculation about the need for further stimulus, or a rate cut," said Michael Hewson, chief market analyst at CMC Markets. "However, this seems premature at a time when inflation is showing some signs of picking up and wage growth still remains above the level of inflation."
Losses in companies like Centrica and Inmarset were offset by advances elsewhere. BT rose 3.2 percent to lead the gains after its results beat expectations. The stock was on course to post its best session in two months.
BT said it would spend 6 billion pounds ($8.7 billion) to roll out super-fast fibre and 4G mobile in the next three years, following demands by regulators for improved service.
RSA rose 2.2 percent. The insurer's operating profits for the quarter also beat expectations, though net written premiums dipped.
Morrisons was up 2 percent after it reported quarterly sales improved further The supermarket had dropped 1.7 percent on Wednesday after poorly received figures from rival Sainsbury and weak Kantar data.
"The group's 'back-to-basics' approach (is) finding favour with shoppers. The price war, though, goes on and the threat from discounters remains," said Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell.