UK small caps rise 0.2 percent to a new all-time peak, whilejunior-listed AIM shares steady at highs not seen for 19 months. Mid-capstocks fall 0.3 percent while blue chips rise by the sameamount.
Shares in Innovation Group rise 1.6 percent to 31 pence in volume four timestheir three-month average as the insurance software maker wins a contract,estimated to contribute roughly 7 million pounds ($11.31 million) to its salesover five years, from Lloyds Banking Group.
"We are making no changes to our estimates but find it highly encouraging tosee the group deliver a SaaS (software as a service) solution of this scale,"N+1 Singer says in a note, reiterating its "buy" stance and 34 pence target onthe stock.
"We believe the underlying estimate momentum will continue to support theshares and see scope for potential outperformance."
Property firm Development Securities rises 7.2 percent in volumetwice the average as it reports its net asset value increased by two per cent inthe six months to the end of August, while its earnings increased to 5.9 penceper share, compared to 2 pence per share in the period to the end of February.
Reuters messaging rm://francesco.canepa.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net
($1 = 0.6189 British pounds)