Previous  of  Companies Next FTSE 100 FTSE 250 Citigroup argued there will once more be a level playing field between base metals and precious commodities because the bank's economists are forecasting a period of slow growth that is not accompanied by systemic risk. Jon H Bergtheil, an analyst at Citigroup, said: "Gold shares have typically traded at more expensive multiples than base metal shares, particularly during times of systemic risk." However, Mr Bergtheil concluded that: "In 2011, we think only gold shares with good production growth will still be afforded this luxury." As a result, he donwgraded African Barrick Gold to "hold" and second liner Hochschild Mining to "sell". African Barrick Gold slipped 6 to 611½p and Hochschild Mining fell 9.1 to 362½p.   Related Articles Shares and Markets: News, charts, data Fears over Arcandor stake hit Thomas Cook Segro set to take over Brixton in £100m deal Earthport caught up in takeover fever Rio Tinto slides amid talk of £5bn cash call Rio Tinto rises on talk of new BHP Billiton bid Mr Bergtheil also downgraded Lonmin to "hold".[Read more...]