FTSE 250 movers: Homeserve upgrade warms investors; Crest Nicholson disappoints

Homeserve led the FTSE 250 risers on Wednesday and helped lift the index into positive territory. The stock was boosted after UBS issued an upgrade to 'buy' from 'neutral'.

Thomas Cook also rose after an upgrade to 'buy' at Panmure Gordon, while Tullow Oil gushed higher after an upgrade to 'overweight' at Morgan Stanley.

On the downside, Crest Nicholson led the fallers, down more than 10%, as the housebuilder cut its margin forecast on the back of pricing pressure, while Cineworld lost ground despite saying it was on track to deliver a full-year performance in line with its current expectations.

Transport operator National Express slipped despite reporting 6.2% growth in first-quarter revenue thanks to a solid performance from its North American business.

Pub operator Mitchells & Butlers tumbled after posting a drop in half-year profit, while peer Marston's was also in the red after its interim numbers.

JD Sports dropped on news that Odey Asset Management has declared an 8.2% stake in Finish Line, prompting fears that it's trying to block JD's proposed acquisition of the US sportswear company.

Market Movers

FTSE 100 (UKX) 7,742.44 0.25%
FTSE 250 (MCX) 20,854.79 0.34%
techMARK (TASX) 3,503.32 0.71%

FTSE 250 - Risers

Homeserve (HSV) 828.50p 9.30%
BTG (BTG) 626.00p 6.01%
Thomas Cook Group (TCG) 148.70p 5.84%
Superdry (SDRY) 1,208.91p 4.85%
Hikma Pharmaceuticals (HIK) 1,412.50p 4.75%
Sanne Group (SNN) 660.00p 4.27%
Hunting (HTG) 920.50p 4.19%
Polymetal International (POLY) 713.20p 4.06%
Purecircle Limited (DI) (PURE) 354.00p 3.66%
Kaz Minerals (KAZ) 1,053.50p 3.64%

FTSE 250 - Fallers

Crest Nicholson Holdings (CRST) 444.20p -10.04%
Marston's (MARS) 103.10p -7.95%
JD Sports Fashion (JD.) 369.20p -5.33%
On The Beach Group (OTB) 530.27p -4.46%
Mitchells & Butlers (MAB) 264.20p -4.00%
TalkTalk Telecom Group (TALK) 125.90p -3.82%
Computacenter (CCC) 1,296.00p -3.71%
Ted Baker (TED) 2,556.00p -3.47%
Countryside Properties (CSP) 371.00p -3.39%
Redrow (RDW) 628.00p -2.94%