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Shares in Home Retail Group (HOME) fell 12.85p to 198.05p after the owner of Argos and Homebase warned that parsimonious consumers would knock up to 25 million pounds from profits for the full-year ended 26th February 2011. The retailer said that the UK retail climate remained chilly as sales continued to fall in the months following the Christmas freeze. Terry Duddy, chief executive, commented: "There are clear signs of further pressures on consumer spending, with recent trading conditions, particularly at Argos, proving to be more difficult and volatile than we anticipated."

An unexpected 59 million pounds pension gain helped Standard Life (SL.) post a 7% increase in operating profit for the year ended 31st December 2010 instead of the decline predicted by the market. Operating profit before tax from continuing operations was 425 million pounds in 2010, compared with 399 million pounds a year earlier. The consensus analyst forecast supplied by the company had predicted 355 million pounds. Despite this, Standard shares lost 18.05p to 226.65p because of market worries about its strategy and cash generation.

Looks an interesting prospect - needs research!

Arden Partners issued a "buy" rating for Eredene Group (ERE), the India-focused infrastructure investor. The broker notes that the group is getting more involved in the port sector, which is suffering from under-investment and insufficient capacity, and said the maturing of current investments will lead to an increasing net asset value. This, combined with the leveraged growth that container traffic offers, suggest to Arden that these new projects provide attractive future opportunities. The shares were untouched at 17.88p.

Following second-half results, Arbuthnot issued a "strong buy" recommendation for SQS Software Quality Systems (SQS) with a 305p target price. The broker said it was confident that the group was firmly back on a "premium growth path" given the company's strong growth in managed services revenues, a return to health for the project-based consultancy business and buoyant demand across all core territories. What's more, Arbuthnot added that it expects rapid growth in managed services revenues to ultimately deliver margin upside, increased revenue visibility and a re-rating. Shares in SQS inched back 0.5p to 242.5p.

Singer Capital Markets reiterated its "buy" rating for IG Group (IGG), the financial spread betting and contract for differences provider, with a 540p target price. Given its future growth in European markets and the UK, coupled with its market position and financial strength, the broker thinks a premium rating for the shares is justified. Ultimately, Singer added, client growth in the UK and Europe remains attractive and, as a result, revenue growth will continue to accelerate. IG shares edged down 4.05p to 466.35p.

Panmure Gordon retained its "hold" recommendation for Derwent London (DLN), the commercial property investor, with an increased target price of 1,600p, up from 1,505p. Commenting on full-year results, the broker said they exceeded its forecasts at the adjusted pre-tax and net asset value levels. This, it added, makes the group an "undoubtedly" high quality play for investors looking to access the central London market. However, with the shares trading on a 14% premium to the broker's upgraded 2011 net asset value forecast, Panmure thinks some of the out-performance has already been priced in. Derwent shares declined 32.5p to 1,700.5p.

Buy Goals Soccer Centres (GOAL) at 132.75p Says The Small Cap Shares Team Goals Soccer Centres (GOAL) was tipped in Small Cap Shares back in December last year, but with the shares still trading on a low multiple and the company set for significant expansion, the team believes Goals still offers good value.

REG Biopower, a subsidiary of Renewable Energy Generation (WIND), has won two contracts with National Grid (NG.) to provide short term operating reserve (STOR) using its innovative plant powered by waste cooking oil. Under the contracts, the group will receive an availability payment for standing by during STOR periods and a utilisation payment for any power generated. In addition, REG Bio will be allowed to run its plant "opportunistically" outside STOR hours. Shares in Renewable Energy and National Grid rose 1.13p to 55.13p and 4.25p to 577.25p, respectively

Greencore (GNC) has decided to end its pursuit of Northern Foods (NFDS), clearing the way for a rival 342 million pounds takeover of the UK convenience food group by Ranjit Ringh Boparan. The Dublin-headquartered group announced that it did not intend to make an improved offer for Northern, whose products include supermarket-branded ready meals, Fox's biscuits and Goodfella's frozen pizzas. Greencore shares gained 4p to 119p whereas Northern Foods shares lost 1.62p to 72.63p.

Greencore (GNC) has decided to end its pursuit of Northern Foods (NFDS), clearing the way for a rival 342 million pounds takeover of the UK convenience food group by Ranjit Ringh Boparan. The Dublin-headquartered group announced that it did not intend to make an improved offer for Northern, whose products include supermarket-branded ready meals, Fox's biscuits and Goodfella's frozen pizzas. Greencore shares gained 4p to 119p whereas Northern Foods shares lost 1.62p to 72.63p.

Safety technology group Halma (HLMA) has acquired optical devices maker Medicel AG, together with its assembly and packaging subsidiary Robutec, for an initial cash consideration of 70 million swiss francs (46.6 million pounds). "Medicel and Robutec further extend our presence in the ophthalmic surgical instrument market which is forecast to see continued growth due to an aging population and increased global access to healthcare," commented chief executive Andrew Williams. Deferred purchase consideration of up to 30 million swiss francs (20 million pounds) is payable based on earnings growth over the three financial years to March 2014. Halma shares advanced 17.5p to 362.5p.

Despite a tough economic backdrop, The Restaurant Group (RTN) posted widened adjusted pre-tax profits for the year ended 2nd January 2011, boosted by higher revenue and lower interest costs, and said it was confident in seeing profitability grow in the year ahead. For the 12-months, the owner of the Frankie and Benny's chain reported a 12% jump in pre-tax profits to 56 million pounds on revenue up 7% at 466 million pounds. Commenting on this, chief executive Andrew Page said: "The Restaurant Group is in good shape, we have an outstanding team of people and we look forward to making further profitable progress this year." The shares surged 28.45p to 308.25p.

Brewin Dolphin issued a "hold" rating for Advanced Medical Solutions (AMS) with an increased target price of 76p, up from 719p. The broker notes that the market responded well to the results, which were in line with its top of the range expectations, with shares advancing up yesterday by 6%. Moreover, giving the group's strong balance sheet, Brewin said it would not be surprised to see some corporate activity before too long. However, in the absence of upwards forecast momentum, the broker added that it was unable to issue a more favourable recommendation The shares inched up 0.75p to 79.25p.

Following the release of full-year results yesterday, Singer Capital Markets maintained its "buy" rating for broking group Tullett Prebon (TLPR) with a target price of 450p. Although results were broadly in-line with expectations, and better than consensus, guidance for higher finance costs and caution on operating margins has led the broker to lower its pre-tax profit estimate for 2011. Nevertheless, given the subsequent share price fall, Singer believes the stock now offer a renewed buying opportunity. Tullett shares slipped 36.1p to 384.9p.

Evolution Securities issued a "buy" rating for Intermediate Capital Group (ICP), the investment and fund management group, with a 405p target price. As the residual risk profile continues to ebb, the broker feels the group faces a 12-18 month period when the return profile will be firmly to the fore. While a strong exit environment should be the key driver, Evolution expects to see incremental news flow on the firm's enhanced fund management strategy adding to the broader investment case. Shares in Intermediate Capital inched lower 6.4p to 313.2p.

The other companies joining the FTSE 100 are oil services provider John Wood Group, which plans to return $1.7bn to shareholders when it completes the sale of its well support division, and financial adviser Hargreaves Lansdown.

The other companies joining the FTSE 100 are oil services provider John Wood Group, which plans to return $1.7bn to shareholders when it completes the sale of its well support division, and financial adviser Hargreaves Lansdown.

Small cap: Supercart Date: Wednesday 09 Mar 2011 Shopping trolley designer Supercart cut losses to £541,000 from £2.27m in 2010 as revenues rose 21% to £8.9m. A strong performance in North America was the highlight of the year, the firm said.

Outlook We announced on 16 December 2010 that we have changed the Company's trading period to 30 June. The Board anticipates that the audited results for the 18 months to 30 June 2011 will be announced in October 2011. The period from 1st January to 30th June is traditionally a quieter period in our industry. As explained above in some detail, we are better positioned than we have been in the past, in North America, Europe and South Africa. The outlook for the balance of 2011 and beyond remains positive and gives us good grounds for encouragement. Victor Segal