FTSE 100 movers: Shire gains but GKN slumps as new CEO leaves before even starting

London’s FTSE 100 was up 0.2% to 7,387.65 in afternoon trade on Thursday as investors mulled the latest retail sales figures.

Specialty biopharmaceutical company Shire was boosted by an upbeat note from Bernstein, while budget carrier easyJet flew higher after Dart Group, the owner of Jet2, posted a rise in first-half revenue and pre-tax profit.

British Land advanced as its net asset value increased 2.6% in the first half to 939p, which stands at a sizeable premium to its shares.

Engineering services company Babcock was a high riser after saying it has been awarded three “significant” new regional contracts by the UK Ministry of Defence to provide technical support services to the Royal Air Force.

Private equity firm 3i Group was up after it reported “continued progression” in its net asset value per share for the first half, rising to 652p from 604p at the start of the period and on track for year of strong growth.

Going the other way, GKN suffered the heaviest losses after saying it has parted company with Kevin Cummings, who was due to step up to be chief executive at the aircraft and vehicle parts maker.

Marks & Spencer and Shell were weaker as their stock went ex-dividend.

FTSE 100 - Risers

Shire Plc (SHP) 3,694.50p 4.65%
easyJet (EZJ) 1,297.00p 3.68%
Convatec Group (CTEC) 196.40p 3.48%
British Land Company (BLND) 617.00p 3.44%
Paddy Power Betfair (PPB) 8,665.00p 2.97%
Babcock International Group (BAB) 762.00p 2.83%
3i Group (III) 920.00p 2.39%
G4S (GFS) 258.20p 2.06%
International Consolidated Airlines Group SA (CDI) (IAG) 600.50p 1.95%
Hargreaves Lansdown (HL.) 1,580.00p 1.94%

FTSE 100 - Fallers

GKN (GKN) 295.90p -4.79%
Royal Dutch Shell 'A' (RDSA) 2,338.00p -2.64%
Royal Dutch Shell 'B' (RDSB) 2,382.50p -2.20%
Experian (EXPN) 1,551.00p -2.08%
Fresnillo (FRES) 1,298.00p -2.04%
Mediclinic International (MDC) 585.50p -1.51%
Marks & Spencer Group (MKS) 303.90p -1.49%
BT Group (BT.A) 244.40p -1.11%
Rolls-Royce Holdings (RR.) 898.00p -0.99%
BP (BP.) 491.20p -0.77%