The FTSE 100 index opened down 25.58 points, 0.3%, at 7,478.67 this morning, while the FTSE 250 was up 5.81 points at 18,573.68, as London stocks made few moves in anticipation of major economic announcements this week.
Ashtead Group plunged 12% after the equipment rental firm cut its full-year guidance, citing slower hurricane clean-up activity and ongoing Hollywood strikes dragging on growth. It now expects 2-3% lower EBITDA versus prior views.
On the upside, Diploma jumped 9% after the recent FTSE 100 promotion reported double-digit revenue and profit growth in its last financial year, beating forecasts. It expects further growth ahead albeit at stronger margins.
On AIM, MusicMagpie surged 30% confirming early talks over a possible takeover from BT, Aurelius and others, though no formal offer has been made yet.
But Velocys sank 53% as it revealed a discounted all-cash takeover bid from a private equity consortium. The 0.25p per share offer is a 63% discount but would provide crucial new funding for the struggling sustainable fuels firm.
