FTSE 250 movers: Diploma top of the class as oilers fall
London's FTSE 250 was down 0.57% at 18,694.38 in afternoon trade on Monday, as oil companies dropped amid continuing uncertainty.
Diploma was the top riser as the specialised technical products and services supplier posted a 9% jump in full-year adjusted pre-tax profit and said it remains confident of further progress in the coming year.
Looking forward to Brexit, the company warned that, with regard to the passing of a deal, a “prolonged disruption at the UK's borders has the potential to impact the supply chain” but assured investors that efforts had been made to build inventory levels and avoid such an issue.
Precision instrument supplier Spectris picked up steam ahead of a trading statement release on Tuesday, while financial were on the rise following heavy losses last week amid uncertainty over Prime Minister Theresa May's future, with OneSavings Bank and high-interest lender Amigo Holdings both higher.
Pharmaceutical company Indivior also made gains as its extended-release drug Perseris was released in the US for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults. FDA approval for Perseris was granted based on results from its phase three study of the product in 354 patients over an eight week period and the company said it anticipates and is preparing for a full promotional launch for the treatment by February 2019.
Oil companies Petrofac, Vivo Energy, Cairn Energy all dropped as oil prices weighed heavily on investor sentiment, while Weir Group, which offers engineering services to the oil and gas markets, also fell.
Hilton Food dropped as Peel Hunt reiterated its 'hold' rating and target price of 960p, with analysts expressing concern about the short-term consequences of Brexit for the UK's food companies. "The impact of a no-deal Brexit would be felt very quickly by the food industry if there is any delay at the ports given the short shelf life of many products. This would clearly be highly damaging if unresolved pretty quickly. However, it should not be beyond the skillsets of customs/politicians to ensure that food is prioritised at borders and French farmers are pretty adept at parking their tractors in inconvenient locations if politicians are being unhelpful," analysts wrote in the note.
Finally, construction outfit Kier Group was also on the downturn, possibly on the back of weekend reports about the government's need to cut costs on the HS2 rail project.
Market Movers
FTSE 250 (MCX) 18,694.38 0.57%
FTSE 250 - Risers
Diploma (DPLM) 1,369.00p 5.71%
Spectris (SXS) 2,225.00p 4.71%
Lancashire Holdings Limited (LRE) 616.00p 4.41%
Amigo Holdings (AMGO) 270.00p 4.05%
Just Group (JUST) 88.90p 3.73%
Hochschild Mining (HOC) 164.25p 3.73%
Indivior (INDV) 209.60p 3.61%
OneSavings Bank (OSB) 350.60p 3.30%
Inchcape (INCH) 575.75p 3.27%
Crest Nicholson Holdings (CRST) 350.20p 3.24%
FTSE 250 - Fallers
Petrofac Ltd. (PFC) 522.60p -3.01%
On The Beach Group (OTB) 398.50p -2.80%
Vivo Energy (VVO) 106.52p -2.51%
Cairn Energy (CNE) 180.40p -2.49%
UDG Healthcare Public Limited Company (UDG) 627.50p -2.41%
Hilton Food Group (HFG) 922.00p -2.33%
Weir Group (WEIR) 1,495.00p -2.06%
Kier Group (KIE) 838.50p -2.04%
Charter Court Financial Services Group (CCFS) 259.60p -2.04%
Mediclinic International (MDC) 335.30p -1.99%