STOCK WATCH

NON-life legacy insurance firm Randall & Quilter boasted rising profits despite weaker results in the US.

Profits had soared to £5.4m in the six months to the end of June, from £1.2m the year before, after solid results from its core UK business offset a slump in the US.

Earnings were boosted by an increase in ‘legacy transactions’ which contributed £19.1m to its earnings – compared to its contribution of £2.7m the year before. Shares rose 2.1pc, or 3p, to 147.5p.