The FTSE Small Cap index and junior-listed AIM shares climb0.4 percent and 0.3 percent respectively, underperforming the mid-caps,up 0.8 percent, and the blue chips, which are 0.9 percent firmer.
AIM-listed tube manipulation specialist Tricorn Group drops 27percent to 23 pence after saying it expects second-half revenue to be about 15percent lower than that seen in the first half of the financial year.
"Ahead of the trading update for FY2014 expected in April we are putting ourFY2015 and FY2016 forecasts under review," Westhouse Securities says in a note.
"Given that we still believe that the group is capable of delivering atleast 2.5 million pounds ($4.1 million) adj. PBT (pretax profit) in a year (asand when more normal trading conditions resume), we reduce our target price to35 pence (vs 50 pence) and move to an 'add' recommendation (from 'buy')."
Hargreaves Services, a supplier of solid fuel and bulk materiallogistics, climbs 3.5 percent after unveiling first-half results, with grouprevenue at 460.5 million pounds, up from 359.8 million pounds in the same periodthe previous year.
"This is a strong statement from Hargreaves... The future remains bright,with further potential within the UK, and the first Asian contract a tantalisingstep into a huge market," N+1 Singer says in a note.
"A P/E rating of 6.3 times significantly undervalues these opportunities,whilst the dividend yield, now approaching 4 percent in FY15, is an addedattraction," the broker says.
Reuters messaging rm://tricia.wright1.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net($1 = 0.6098 British pounds)
