The FTSE 100 opens 9.4 points up at 7,430.37 as Asian markets are ending the week in positive territory. The leaders of North and South Korea, two nations technically still at war, have met in what is viewed as a landmark occasion.
The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) share price is down 1.2% to 269.2p despite a 70% improvement on its first quarter operating pre-tax profits to £1.2bn.
However, its net interest margin is down two basis points compared to the fourth quarter of 2017 amid competitive pressures.
The bank has also not updated the market on the expected multi-billion pound fine from the US regulator the Department of Justice over mis-selling mortgage-backed securities over a decade ago.
Theme park operator Merlin (MERL) gains 3.2% to 357.9p after saying despite poor weather impacting a number of its attractions, trading was in line with expectations. After the devastating terror attacks last year the company remains 'confident of a recovery over time'.
AIM-listed staffer Harvey Nash (HVN:AIM) gains 4.3% to 100.65p as its results show a 24.4% increase in pre-tax profits, ahead of analyst forecasts. For its year ending 31 January, the company improved its operating profit by 7.6% in the UK and Ireland despite Brexit concerns.
Technology company Watchstone (WTG:AIM) is down 2% to 98p as its operating loss increases to £7.4m for its year ending December 31 2017. The company also reveal that its first quarter 2018 revenue is down on a year-on-year basis due in part to adverse currency movements.
Support services minnow Malvern International (MLVN:AIM) ticks up 9% to 3.65p as the company narrows its losses for 2017 to £0.69m from £1.45m the previous year. The learning development company also announces that its first major acquisition, a school in Singapore, will have a ‘positive impact’ for its global platform.
Software company Dillistone (DSG:AIM) sheds 8.9% to 87p as its full year 2017 results show the company moved to £.0.07m loss from a £0.5m profit the previous year.
Infrastructure services provider to home builders Nexus Infrastructure (NEXS:AIM) losses 16.8% to 208p as it says converting orders into revenue is taking longer than in previous years.
For the six months ending 31 March, says although its TriConnex order book is up 44% year-on-year to £115.7m schemes are taking longer to get to start on site. The company says this is due to increased conditions by local authorities and customers appointing the firm very early in the preconstruction stage.
