14 JULY 1883, Page 3

The slight, but persistent, decline in Consols has given rise

to a good deal of remark. It is due, we are told, to considerable sales by small holders, and a hesitation on-the part of trustees, who have sought the Two and a Half per Cents., a stock greatly in request. Neither small owners nor trustees like Console over par, and turn aside to any safe stock not likely. to be affooted by any political accident. Nothing, one would say, could resist the effect of the laws ordering certain investments to be made in Consols, but the difficulty experienced in keeping them above par is very notable.