The FTSE 100 falls 0.35% to 7,354.69 in early trading, taking its cue from a weak session in Asia and the collapse of talks aimed at forming a coalition in Germany.
Ahead of its annual results on Wednesday, travel company Thomas Cook (TCG) gains 6.1% to 118.1p as it unveils plans to launch an insurance product and a pre-paid multiple currencies card as part of swathe of new services.
British Gas owner Centrica (CNA) plans to scrap its standard variable tariff and replace it with fixed-term tariffs as it calls for the Government, energy regulator and industry to 'create a market that works for everyone'. The company outlines seven key measures it wants Ofgem and the state to implement. The shares are up 0.9% to 164.8p, making it the top riser on the FTSE 100.
Trading and tech firm NEX (NXG) falls 5% to 564.75p, the market apparently unimpressed by a fall in first half pre-tax profit as higher spending hit margins at its post-trade business. Alongside the results the company said it had found another £15m of annualised cost savings on top of the £25m already targeted voer a three-year period.
Warehouse investor Tritax Big Box REIT (BBOX) announces a £44.4m deal for a logistics hub in Harlow and the £43.86m purchase of similar facilities in Nottinghamshire and Cumbria. The shares are largely unmoved at 147.1p.
Private healthcare operator Spire Healthcare (SPI) falls 3.4% to 250.1p after largest shareholder Mediclinic (MDC) walks away from a potential bid for the company. Shares in South Africa based Mediclinic fall 0.7% to 551.5p.
Loo roll maker Accrol (ACRL:AIM) falls 37% to 39.5p as its shares come out of suspension on AIM and it announces a £18m placing to shore up its balance sheet. The company asked for trading to be suspended in October (5 Oct) as it clarified its financial circumstances. The business had been beset by higher costs and a potential health and safety fine.
