The FTSE Small Caps index closes flat, with the FTSE 250 index down 0.2 percent, and the FTSE 100 index up 0.7 percent.
Hansard Global gains 9 percent after the long-term savingsspecialist issues solid first-half new business figures, which Panmure Gordonsays are very close to its forecasts.
"Growth continues to be delivered from the better margin regular premiumsales resulting in an first-half (H1) new business margin of 12.1 percent (H12012: 10.4 percent) The shares remain attractively valued and with the companyhaving guided to a 2013 dividend of 8.0 pence/share, the 7.5 percent dividendyield looks secure and desirable," Panmure says in a note reiterating its "buy"rating and 162 pence target price on Hansard Global.
Mattioli Woods (MTW) adds 10.4 percent as the specialist pensionsconsultancy reports strong first-half results, with adjusted pretax profit up 26percent to 2.5 million pounds, prompting Canaccord Genuity to raise its targetprice to 300 pence from 290 pence.
"While it is at an 18 month high and 38 percent up from its low in June2012 of 168 pence, in our opinion MTW share price should reflect its growthpotential and strong business model," Canaccord says in a note.
Reuters messaging rm://jon.hopkins.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net
Hansard (HSD)