The FTSE Small Caps Index is up 0.4 percent in mid-session trade,outpacing a 0.2 percent gain on the blue-chip FTSE 100 index, while theFTSE 250 mid-cap index is also up by 0.4 percent.
Charles Taylor rises 5.9 percent after the insurance servicescompany encourages with a trading update which states that the company has beentrading in line with market expectations.
"Overall, there is a positive tone to the statement, with the underlyingdivisions seeing an encouraging start to the year," write analysts at Peel Hunt,commenting on Charles Taylor's trading update. Peel Hunt keeps a "buy" rating onthe stock.
ViaLogy, which provides data and analytical services for oil and gascompanies, also rises 7.7 percent after announcing a new contract with thecompany Gente Oil.
"In our view, today's announcement illustrates ViaLogy's continuedprogression in securing oil companies that have clearly identified the benefitsof using QuantumRD as part of their seismic interpretation process," Cantorwrites in a research note, keeping a "buy" rating on ViaLogy.
Beowulf Mining slips 3.5 percent after the company announces therelinquishment of certain exploration permits in order to concentrate resourceson other projects which it feels have more potential.
Reuters messaging rm://sudip.kargupta.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net
Beowulf (BEM)