Britain’s third-largest bank by assets (Barclays) sank 3.5% to 291.25 pence in London after Barclays Capital, its investment banking unit, stated a 33 percent decrease in first quarter pretax profit to 982 million pounds.

The Lloyds Banking Group Plc (LLOY) and the Royal Bank of Scotland Group Plc (RBS) fell as well, by 1.4%, respectively to 59.55 pence and to 41.26 pence.

Following the move, the Associated British Foods Plc (ABF) cut its profit forecast and dropped 5.6%, whereas Aggreko Plc (AGK) announced 2011 trading profit to be slightly higher than in the past year. The company jumped 4 percent to 1,779 pence.

Richard Hunter, head of UK Equities at Hargreaves Lansdown Stockbrokers said Barclay’s failure to keep pace with some of its global peers was disappointing and was reflected by a drop down in the share price. He also stated that banks in general were remaining in a difficult place, overarched by uncertainties surrounding regulation, credit availability and capital reserves.

As a result, U. K. stocks declined from a two-month high. The benchmark FTSE 100 Index (UKX) also went down. In London the FTSE 100 fell 0.3% to 6,049.87 around 9 a. m., as companies commercialized without the right to their latest dividends.