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FTSE 100 dips by the close after mixed US news
StockMarketWire.com
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Sterling strength continued to hold the FTSE 100 back on Friday, the index
A mixed US jobs report and progress towards implementing President Biden's Covid relief package boosted US stocks but hit the value of the dollar against the pound. By 4.30pm UK time the S&P 500 was up 0.4% to 3,885.55.
In corporate news shares in temporary power provider Aggreko (AGK) climbed 33.4% to 847p after the company confirmed press speculation that it was in talks with potential US private equity buyers.
Pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca said the trial of its head and neck cancer drug candidate Imfinzi did not meet its primary and secondary objectives.
Its shares fell 1.5% to £72.76.
Beleaguered retailer French Connection confirmed it was in talks with Spotlight Brands and Go Global Retail concerning possible takeover offers for the company.
Shares rose 69% to 26.4p.
Insurance company Beazley swung to an annual loss following a deterioration in its combined ratio amid a wave of Covid-19 related claims. For the year ended 31 December, the company reported a pre-tax loss of $50.4 million, compared with a profit of $267.7 million year-on-year, while premiums grew 19% to $3,563.8 million.
Beazley shares climbed 15% to 369.2p.
Warehouse REIT plans to raise £45.9 million through a share issue to purchase more industrial units. The group issuing is shares at 121p compared to the closing price of shares last night of 126p.
Its shares slid 2.4% to 123p.
Life science investor Syncona has noted that its portfolio company Achilles Therapeutics expects to consider additional capital raising options this year, which could include an initial public offering in the United States. Its shares were up 6.7% to 270p.
Student residential real estate company GCP Student reported a slight decline in quarterly net assets and said it would collect between 55% and 60% of budgeted total income for the 2020/21 academic year as ongoing Covid-19 lockdowns dent occupancy.
Its shares were up 0.7% at 145.8p.
Cyber security services company Falanx said it had won new contract and renewals across both its divisions. The company also said it was talks to secure the UK government-backed coronavirus loan to support acquisitions and growth.
It was up 11.6% to 1.34p.
Story provided by StockMarketWire.com
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