The FTSE small cap index gain 0.6 percent and junior-listed AIMshares close 1 percent higher, outperforming a 0.3 percent rise on theblue chips.
Filtronic drops 12.4 percent to 52.51 pence after the telecom groupannounces results below market expectations, hit by a weak performance from thefirm's broadband division.
"Interim results reveal a strong half from Wireless, where revenues grew 39percent, but a disappointing performance from Broadband owing to the impact ofenforced relocation and end market delays. This translates into reduced revenueand profit expectations for FY 2014," analysts at Panmure Gordon write in anote.
"However, we expect ongoing infrastructure investment, demand for newantenna and broadband products and an improving revenue mix to deliver enhancedrevenue and profit expectations in FY 2015... We trim our Target Price from 90pence to 84 pence but reiterate our Buy recommendation," the note says.
Aquarius Platinum closes 0.7 percent higher after reporting a 7percent rise in second quarter output, with costs coming in lower than expected.
"Overall, these were better than forecast production results and lower thanforecast cash costs. This bodes well for the financial results, out next month.Today's release should result in a modest lift to forecasts," WesthouseSecurities write in a note, maintaining a rating of "neutral" on the stock forthe time being.
Reuters messaging rm://alistair.smout.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net
