THE FTSE 100 Index finished a lacklustre week on the back foot as worries over the resilience of US consumers hit stocks.

The closely-watched Michigan consumer confidence index slid to its lowest level since March, which put US markets on the back foot.

The FTSE followed suit to close 31.5 points lower at 4127.2 – its lowest finish since the end of April – despite a decent session for many retailers.

Traders said investors were still nervous about equities amid doubts over a recovery and were awaiting the US earnings session.

The top flight had gained on the back of a surprise decision by the Bank of England not to expand its quantitative easing programme, but failed to sustain the advance.

Energy heavyweights BP and Royal Dutch Shell were under pressure yesterday after the price of oil slipped below $60 a barrel.

The pair fell 3.75p to 461.5p and 16p to 1443p respectively.

Many miners were also lower, although Anglo American was ahead after the company impressed investors with the appointment of Sir John Parker as its chairman.

Shares added 3.5p to 1654.5p.

Rio Tinto was a prominent faller with a 65.5p drop to 1901.5p, closely followed by Lonmin – down 32p at 999p.

Retailers fared much better after a a positive assessment from Citigroup yesterday. Citi is overweight in the sector and believes it is well-placed to outperform against weak comparatives.

Tesco led the blue-chip risers, up 8.7p to 357.4p, while Argos owner Home Retail Group gained for a second successive session – adding 5.25p to 271.75p.

Other gainers included Marks & Spencer, up 5.25p to 319p, Next up 26p at 1595p and B&Q firm Kingfisher, which cheered 1.8p to 188.3p