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* FTSE 100 down 0.1%, FTSE 250 up 0.3%
* NMC tops main index
* Nichols slumps after profit alert
Dec 23 (Reuters) - A drop in financial stocks led London's
main index away from a near five-month high on Monday and halted
its eight-day rally, though NMC Health outperformed after
beginning a review of its books following an attack by
short-seller Muddy Waters.
The FTSE 100 .FTSE edged 0.1% lower in holiday-thinned
trade, as investors locked in profits from earlier this month.
The index had been on its best run since May 2017, gaining
nearly 5% in the last two weeks. The FTSE 250 .FTMC added
0.3%.
NMC NMC.L , whose shares have nearly halved in value since
last week after Muddy Waters criticised the healthcare group's
financials, jumped 8.4% and was on course for its best day since
Aug. 22. AIM-listed Nichols NICL.L dropped 20%, to its lowest level
since Jan. 3, after the Vimto soft drinks maker warned on its
2020 profit.