The FTSE 100 opens up 26.57 points to 7,349.39 following a record close on Wall Street. The S&P 500 finished the day at a new all-time high of 2,510.06.
On the UK market, troubled construction services company Carillion (CLLN) falls 13.6% to 56.50p as it reveals full year results will be lower than ‘current’ market expectations. The firm was subject to a takeover bid speculation earlier this week.
Lloyd’s of London insurer Beazley (BEZ) ticks up by 3% to 473.55p despite revealing the cost of recent natural disasters in the US and Mexico. The company estimates the hurricane and earthquakes will cost the company between $175m and $275m. It estimates the midpoint of these cost ranges would reduce 2017 earnings by $150m.
Defence expert QinetiQ (QQ.) rises 8.7% to 253.60p on the back of a strong trading statement. The company has won an £8m order from the UK Ministry of Defence as well as a £25m contract from US aircraft firm Boeing.
Alternative asset servicing company Sanne (SNN) ticks up 3.5% to 786.50p after acquiring Luxembourg Investment Solutions. The move will strengthen the firm’s position in the Grand Duchy, a growing hub for alternative assets.
Life insurance behemoth Aviva (AV.) gains 5.25p to 514.75p after agreeing to sell its Italian joint venture Avipop Assicurazioni to Banco BPM for €265m.
Share registration and payments services company Equiniti (EQN) drops 8.4% to 276.10p as nil paid rights associated with fundraising for a US acquisition start trading on the market.
Online estate agent Purplebricks (PURP:AIM) gains 1.1% to 376.25p after reporting strong progress across the business in a trading statement. The company says it is on track to meet year guidance for UK and Australian revenues of £80m and £12m respectively.
Infrastructure developer John Laing (JLG) said it would invest more money in renewable energy assets including a wind farm project. Its share price held firm at 285.1p.
