London's FTSE 100 stays weak, reversing 45.68 points to 6,286.15 following yesterday's rebound, as volatility in global markets continues. One standout blue chip performer is Dixons Carphone (DC.), which sparks up 3.7% to 442.5p as better-than-expected maiden figures following the summer merger of Carphone Warehouse and PC World-to-Currys owner Dixons Retail drives upgrades.
Excluding merger costs, the electricals-to-telecommunications retail titan reports a 30% surge in interim pre-tax profits to £78 million. Like-for-like sales grew 5%, reflecting booming TV sales, the latest iPhone launch as well as decreased competition following the collapse of Phones 4U.
Inkjet printhead technology designer Xaar (XAR) surges 13.8% higher to 300.5p on news full-year profits will beat expectations, triggering upgrades from analysts. Read our news analysis here.
Elsewhere, government outsourcer Serco (SRP) continues to provide a rocky ride, reversing 3.3% to 154p. Negative sentiment reflects uncertainty regarding a proposed first quarter rights issue as well as ongoing negotiations over debt covenants with lenders.
Temporary power provider Aggreko (AGK) sheds 2% to £14.27, while listed peer APR Energy (APR) drops 4.4% to 231.5p, as the oil price slides below $55 a barrel. The pair generate some of their revenues from the materials and oil and gas sector players currently bearing the brunt of falling commodity prices.
US oil and gas play Rose Petroleum (ROSE:AIM) gains 5.9% to 1.43p as it commences completion work on its State 16-42 Paradox well in Utah - the first step to establishing North American production.
Fellow AIM-quoted oilies Solo Oil (SOLO:AIM) and Aminex (AEX:AIM) advance 12.4% and 5.7% respectively as Tanzanian authorities give the green light to a deal which will see the former pay $7 million to buy a 13% interest in the Kiliwani North development licence from the latter.
Testing kit maker EKF Diagnostics (EKF:AIM) plummets 17% to 22.5p on a profit warning. Growth will be lower-than-expected in the year to end-December as two of the acquisitions made during the year will generate lower revenues than anticipated.
Estate agency Foxtons (FOXT) drops 4.3% to 157.3p on news that London house prices fell 1.9% in the three months to November.
Chinese scooter maker Vmoto (VMT:AIM) powers ahead 6% to 2.2p on news it intends to enter into a joint venture targeting the rapidly growing three and four-wheel electric vehicle market. Vmoto will invest up to $1.5 million in the joint venture, which plans to produce between 20,000
and 50,000 units in its first year.
