ShareCast News

Non-life insurer Beazley soared into the black in the first half of 2012, delivering a return on equity of 18 per cent and a combined ratio of 91 per cent.

During the six months the firm generated a profit of $112.9m, compared to a loss of $24.2m the previous year, while gross written premiums rose to $1,013.1m (2011: $924.8m) and net premiums written rose to $650.8m from $635.5m.

HomeServe, the international home emergency business, advanced after saying it continues to grow its international businesses and is making progress in the UK in simplifying and refocusing the business.

Telecoms firm Cable & Wireless Comms dropped despite saying that the overall trading performance in the first quarter was in line with its initial outlook. The group said that voice revenues continue to decline across the group as market conditions in the Caribbean and Panama remain tough. ??

Banking, securities and asset management firm Close Brothers fell after admitting that difficult trading conditions in the Winterflood division continued to affect its overall performance during the five months ended June 30th. ?



FTSE 250 - Risers

Beazley (BEZ) 159.60p +4.59%

Homeserve (HSV) 195.10p +3.56%

JD Sports Fashion (JD.) 718.50p +3.38%

Raven Russia Ltd (RUS) 64.00p +2.40%

Dignity (DTY) 831.50p +2.21%

Morgan Crucible Co (MGCR) 271.20p +1.57%

Brown (N.) Group (BWNG) 270.80p +1.54%

RPS Group (RPS) 225.60p +1.53%

Regus (RGU) 90.10p +1.46%

Perform Group (PER) 365.20p +1.44%

FTSE 250 - Fallers

New World Resources A Shares (NWR) 297.70p -6.27%

Halfords Group (HFD) 197.00p -4.28%

Brewin Dolphin Holdings (BRW) 149.80p -4.22%

Petropavlovsk (POG) 399.80p -4.08%

Bumi (BUMI) 306.50p -4.04%

Telecom Plus (TEP) 832.50p -3.92%

African Barrick Gold (ABG) 372.80p -3.87%

Phoenix Group Holdings (DI) (PHNX) 486.30p -3.80%

Ashtead Group (AHT) 244.70p -3.70%

Ferrexpo (FXPO) 189.80p -3.56%

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