FTSE 100 down 0.2, FTSE 250 flat

Sept 5 Reuters UK39;s main FTSE 100 stock index inched lower on Thursday as handful of stocks traded exdividend, while sentiment remained weak amid concerns over the U.S. economy ahead of crucial jobs data.

The bluechip FTSE 100 index was down 0.2, as of 0710 GMT, set to extend losses for the fifth session for the first time since May, if declines hold.

The domesticallyfocused midcap FTSE 250 was flat, after touching a nearly onemonth low on Wednesday.

Airways owner IAG, miner Antofagasta, insurers Prudential and Admiral, paper and packaging firm DS Smith and chemicals group Croda fell over 1 each on trading exdividend.

Industrial metal miners and chemicals were the worsthit sectors, while automobiles was the top gainer.

Household goods were also among the best performers as homebuilder Vistry rose 2.3 after plans to buy back shares worth 130 million pounds and posting higher halfyear earnings.

Online retailer ASOS jumped 12 after forecasting adjusted core profit at the top end of market expectations, while Associated British Foods fell 3 after the Primark owner39;s trading update.

Meanwhile, fanning U.S. economic worries were this week39;s weak manufacturing figures and mixed labour data that bolstered the case for a bigger Federal Reserve rate cut ahead of this month39;s monetary policy meeting.

All eyes are now on the U.S. ADP National Employment and some Purchasing Managers39; Indexes, while euro zone39;s retail sales and SP…