Profit-taking and speculation about interest rates took their toll on housebuilders on the stock market on Tuesday.

 

Persimmon, which reports first-half results today, dropped 52p to £12.26. Barratt Development closed down 15p at 322.5p, Taylor Wimpey, 4.5p at 106.75p, Bellway, 52p at £14.49 and Bovis Homes, 31p at 776p.