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Wednesday’s movers: Barclays, Standard Life, Next, Thor Mining, Genel Energy, Advanced Computer Software, Good Energy Group.

Last updated: 08:08 30 Oct 2013 GMT, First published: 09:08 30 Oct 2013 GMT

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After the FTSE 100 reached a five-month high yesterday, the mood remained upbeat across UK equity markets.

Investors worldwide were confident that the Fed, which concludes its two-day meeting today, would maintain its current monetary policy, pushing shares in Wall Street and Asia overnight markedly higher.

In the first hour of dealing the FTSE 100 gained 36 points at 6,811 while the FTSE All Share added 17 points at 3,624.

The banking sector was once again in focus this Wednesday after Barclays (LON:BARC) released its interims. 

Investors shrugged off news that the U.K.’s second-largest bank’s adjusted profit before tax fell 20% to £4.98bln, impacted by costs to achieve Transform, and shares actually rose over 3% at 274.30p. 

Next (LON:NXT) claimed the title of star FTSE 100 riser of the day after the UK’s second biggest clothing retailer reported third quarter sales up 4.3%, which was better than expected and prompted the company to raise its 2013 profit guidance.

Shares jumped over 6% to 330p.

However, things were not looking so rosy for insurer Standard Life (LON:SL.). Assets under administration may have increased by 9% and fee-based revenue by 15% to £1.06 bln in the first nine months of the year, this was not enough for investors. 

Shares fell over 2% to 360p.

On the small caps front, Thor Mining (LON:THR, ASX:THR) was in great shape after unveiling assay results from the Spring Hill project in Australia’s Northern Territory that it believes boost its gold potential.

Highlights of the results included 6 metres at 5.6 grams per tonne of gold and 6 metres at 6.8 g/t.

11 of the 19 holes intersected mineralisation within 50 metres of surface at grades “consistent with what the company  has come to expect from Spring Hill”. 

This suggests the planned near-term oxide mining inventory announced in June may be extended, the company said.

Shares soared 10% on the news.

There were also gains for Genel Energy (LON:GENL) after chief executive Tony Hayward told investors that the oil firm continues to make solid progress.

The company expects to report full year revenues between US$300 and $400 mln.

In the third quarter the group’s net production averaged 53,000 barrels per day.

Genel also said that the oil pipeline project, which will connect the Kurdistan field directly with Turkey, is in the final stages of construction. Full oil exports are expected in the first quarter of next year.

Another company reiterating its confidence in its objectives is Advanced Computer Software (LON:ASW).

After a strong first half showing, the group helmed by Vin Murria is increasingly confident of hitting full-year targets.

Group revenue in the six months ended August 31 shot up 74% to £99.1mln from £56.8mln the year before, thanks in the main to first time contributions from recent acquisitions.

Finally, Good Energy Group (LON:GOOD), the AIM-quoted renewable electricity supplier, said it has received planning consent for an 8.3 MW solar site near St Austell in Cornwall.

Good Energy’s chief executive officer  and founder, Juliet Davenport, said the firm is considering the options for the delivery of this project, including financing and sale options.

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