On a really quiet day for corporate news the FTSE 100 takes its cue from strong trading on US and Asian markets overnight to advance 0.4% to 7,299.65.
Transport stock Stagecoach (SGC) ticks up 0.4% to 214.2p as it reveals it has sold its interest in the Twin America joint venture for an undisclosed sum. The concern principally operates sightseeing bus services in New York.
Financial broker NEX Group (NXG), formerly ICAP, falls 2.9% to 558p despite posting an 11% increase in revenue for its third quarter as Donald Trump's election as US President sparked increased trading activity. It warned it was too early to assume a period of subdued market conditions was at an end.
Technology-focused defence outfit QinetiQ (QQ.) fires 4.2% higher to 287.9p as it confirms trading in its third quarter was in line with expectations and makes positive noises on future growth.
Australian focused unconventional gas play Falcon Oil & Gas (FOG:AIM) gains 21.4% to 6.38p. Figures produced by partner Origin Energy suggest its acreage in the Northern Territory's Beetaloo basin could contain as much as 496 trillion cubic feet of gas.
Micro-cap investor in the natural resources sector Polemos (PLMO) falls 26.1% to 0.04p as it announces a placing at 0.035p to raise £495,000.
