Shares headed south again today amid continued worries of a rise in US interest rates.
The FTSE-100 Index opened down 15.3 at 6111.1 after bearish sessions on Wall Street and Hong Kong overnight.
However, amid continued thin trading, there were few major blue chip movers and dealers were left looking at the broader index-listed companies for news.
Millennium & Copthorne, the hotels group, gained 8p to 517p after releasing a strong set of results and reaffirming its desire to grow through acquisitions and organically.
Leeds Sporting gained a further 2p to 24p on increased speculation about possible stakebuilders in the Leeds United owner. Reports suggested BSkyB may be considering buying a 9.9% stake in the group.
Previous reports suggested Granada was aiming for a similar goal. BSkyB fell 10p to 565p and Granada fell 6p to 597p.
Nycomed Amersham, the healthcare group, gained 7p to 412p after half-year results impressed analysts. While the figures were down, the group forecast a return to earnings growth in the second half as its key markets pick up.
Rage Software jumped to all-time highs after reports of strong sales at the computer games maker. The group zapped up 1p to 20p – a 7% jump.
Less fortunate was software company Pegasus, which fell 27p to 232p after unveiling an 86% drop in first half profits caused by increased research and development costs.
Shares in BP Amoco edged up 17p to £12.40 in advance of quarterly results due out later today.
EGi News 10/08/99
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