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* FTSE 100 down 0.6%, FTSE 250 flat
* Sterling strength hits exporters
* Markets to shut early on Tuesday ahead of New Year
Dec 31 (Reuters) - London's FTSE 100 declined for the second
straight session on Tuesday, as dealers booked year-end profits
after the index's best run in three years and as a stronger
pound hit shares of exporter firms.
The FTSE 100 .FTSE , which had risen for 11 consecutive
days earlier this month, fell 0.6% as a firmer sterling dragged
exporter stocks such as BAT BATS.L and AstraZeneca AZN.L
lower.
The FTSE 250 .FTMC was flat by 0808 GMT in thin trading.
UK markets will shut early on Tuesday and remain closed for
New Years Day on Wednesday.