Below are some of the main news-driven share price changes at 4.00pm.
Risers
Next (LON:NXT), up 1.2%. The high-street and catalogue retailer advanced with the help of Barclays Capital which upgraded its view of the stock to ‘overweight’ and said the market currently underappreciates the growth story.
Shell (LON:RDSB), up 1.75%. Amid steady crude prices on Wednesday the oil ‘supermajor’ was boosted also by a broker upgrade as Deutsche Bank lifted its recommendation to ‘buy’.
Morrisons (LON:MRW), up 2.5%. The supermarket stock was pulled higher on the apron-string of rival Sainsbury. Retailers were also generally better across the sector.
Fallers
Ladbrokes (LON:LAD), down 1%. It looks as though some stock exchange punters have taken the advice of Ray Wintone who - in his ad for Ladbrokes’ rival, Bet365 - says: “good things come to those who cash out.” Ladbrokes shot up almost 20% on Tuesday as it confirmed it was in talks with Coral over a £4bn merger.
Afren (LON:AFR), down 16%. It was another volatile session for the troubled Africa focussed oiler which holds an AGM today.
Below are some of the main news-driven share price changes among FTSE 350 stocks at 1.45pm.
Risers
Telecom Plus (LON:TEP), up 3.7%. The multi-utility supplier is enjoying a bit of delayed lover after releasing results yesterday.
Morrison (Wm.) Supermarkets (LON:MRW), up 2.8%. SocGen may have upped its rating on Sainsbury’s but it is sector peer Morrisons that seems to be reaping the most benefit.
Sainsbury (J) (LON:SBRY), up 2.3%. French broker Societe Generale has upgraded the grocery seller.
Fallers
Elementis (LON:ELM), down 16.7%. The speciality chemicals company has lost one-sixth of its value after issuing a profit warning.
Serco (LON:SRP), down 4.0%. The struggling outsourcing company takes a tumble despite Majedie Asset Management showing some faith and lifting its stake above 5%.
Sage (LON:SGE), down 4.2%. Something at the accountancy software firm’s Capital markets Day presentation today must have spooked the horses.
Below are some of the main news-driven share price changes at 9.45pm.
Risers
Ascent Resources (LON:AST), up 29%. Provisionally awarded a permit for a gas processing facility in Slovenia.
Eurasia Mining (LON:EUA), up 24%, Mining permit application for platinum deposit in Russia passed by relevant agencies, now needs prime ministerial sign-off.
88 Energy (LON:88E), up 18%, Alaska oil explorer has conditionally secured a significant US$50mln funding facility with Bank of America.
Fallers
Daniel Stewart (LON:DAN), down 19%, companies where ex-Quindell boss Rob Terry has taken stake under pressure due to launch of FCA inquiry into the claims outsourcer.
Mosman Oil (LON:MSMN), down 12%, raising £400,000 through placing at 2.5p.
Imaginatik (LON:IMTK), down 8%, another company Rob Terry has bought into recently.