bICI 220.25p (up 6.25p, 2.9 per cent). HSBC Securities upgrades to “add” from “reduce” following forecast-busting fourth quarter numbers from the chemicals giant.
bSmith & Nephew 498.5p (up 13.5p, 2.8 per cent). Hits its full year profit targes and issues a rather positive outlook statement for 2004.
bMm02 86.75p (up 2.25p, 2.7 per cent). Brokers upgrade forecasts after Wednesday’s strong subscriber numbers.
bReuters 342.5p (up 4.5p, 1.3 per cent). Deutsche Bank upgrades to “buy” from “hold” and sets a new price target of 380p.
bInvensys 26.5p (up 2.75p, 11.6 per cent). Market welcomes engineer’s pounds 2.7bn refinancing package.
bCanary Wharf 276.75p (up 10.25p, 3.9 per cent). Morgan Stanley ups its offer for the property group to 275p following a 270p bid from Brascan.
bIntertek 475p (up 14p, 3.0 per cent). Goldman Sachs upgrades to “outperform” from “in line” on valuation.
bArc Risk Management 1.75p (up 0.25p, 16.7 per cent). Licensing deal with America’s World Access excites investors.
bPan Andean Resources 21p (up 2.75p, 15.1 per cent). Positive news from the group’s Texas operation drives the stock higher.
nBritish Energy 6.9p (down 3.35p, 32.7 per cent). US hedge fund Appaloosa sells down its stake in the troubled electricity provider.
nEurodis Electron 7.25p (down 2p, 21.6 per cent). Unveils a pounds 39m equity issue at 5p and posts poor interim figures.
nScipher 4.37p (down 1.13p, 20.5 per cent). Lauches restructuring plan aimed at making the group profitable by March of next year.
nYorkshire Group 7.5p (down 0.75p, 9.1 per cent). Profit taking after recent strong gains.
nAvesco 118.5p (down 7.5p, 6.1 per cent). Warns that its full year results will come in below expectations due to the weak performance of its Creative Technology business.
SEAQ TRADES: 199,052
SEAQ VOLUMES: 4.49bn
