The FTSE 100 index of leading stocks opened marginally higher on Thursday adding 0.1% to 7,173 points, helped by a weaker pound.
In contrast the FTSE 250 index, which has enjoyed a strong run of late, gave up 0.5% to 20,087 points on the weaker exchange rate.
Consumer-goods giant Unilever (ULVR) delivered steady sales growth of 2.9% in the third quarter driven in equal parts by price increases and volume gains.
Emerging markets continue to be a key driver with sales in the third quarter up 5.1% thanks to higher prices and increased volumes. Shares added 2% to £46.90.
Pest-control and hygiene firm Rentokil (RTO) grew its sales by almost 10% in the third quarter thanks to its highest level of organic growth in 10 years and another round of acquisitions. The company also confirmed its full-year targets, sending the shares up 1.5% to 449p.
Mining group BHP (BHP) reported an increase in copper production in the third quarter but a drop in iron ore, coal and oil production due to planned maintenance and declining yields, particularly in oil.
BHP shares, which had already lost a good deal of ground since their highs in July, fell another -1.5% to £16.02 following a 3% drop in the Australian-listed shares.
MID-CAP GAINERS & LOSERS
Retailer WH Smith (SMWH) posted a 9% increase in trading profits for the full year to 31 August thanks to a strong performance from its travel division which increased profits by 14%. In contrast trading profits from its high street stores fell by 1%.
Smiths also announced that it would raise £155m in new shares to help fund the acquisition of US travel retailer Marshall Retail Group for $400m or £312m. Shares added 2.8% to £21.47.
Shares in fast-food group Domino’s Pizza (DOM) jumped 6.1% to 282p after it delivered steady third quarter organic sales growth and announced that it will sell its under-performing international business, which has overshadowed the better performance of its UK and Irish operations for some time.
Bus operator National Express (NEX) also had a good summer with group turnover up 11.8% on an organic basis and operating profits up 15% on the same basis.
As well as a strong franchise in North America, the firm has added a major contract in Morocco worth up to €1bn over the next 15 years. Shares added 1% to 456p.
Building supplies firm Grafton (GFTU) was one of the worst-performing stocks, falling 13% to 116p after it reported flat like for like revenues for the three months to 30 September and warned of weak demand in the home improvement market.
Another big loser was price-comparison firm Moneysupermarket (MONY) which fell 10% to 348p after it warned that trading in its Money division was set to weaken over the rest of the year.
