GKN brings up the rear as FTSE 100 advances The car parts maker today cautioned that "macroeconomic conditions have deteriorated in recent weeks and some softening in order books is now evident, particularly regarding European automotive and industrial markets" and the shares shed 4pc, the heaviest faller on the FTSE 100. GKN shares fell against a rising market this morning, with the FTSE 100 up 26 points and the FTSE 250 65 points better in early deals. Europe remained on the agenda, with traders looking ahead to a meeting of European Union leaders that starts on Thursday. The analysts downgraded their recommendation from "hold," arguing that "restructuring Iberia will take time and money" and that the Spanish carrier's losses this year could be more than €400m. On the mid-cap index retailer, N Brown climbed almost 10pc despite reporting a 4.5pc fall in underlying first-half profits. Investec said the group has "good cash generation and growth opportunities" and recommended clients "buy" the shares. Ophir Energy, however, brought up the rear on the FSTE 250 after Deutsche Bank cut its rating on the group to "sell" from "hold." "Given the shares are trading towards the top end of the 2012 range, we believe now is a good time to lock in profits," the broker said. The explorer lost 3.3pc this morning.