MARKET REPORT

MARKETS made gains yesterday as traders’ fears over a possible trade war eased, with reports suggesting the US would drop its plan to slap tariffs on EU car-makers. The FTSE 100 ended the day 0.4% or 30.13 points higher at 7,603.22.

shares fell 13p to 1,623p after it revealed nearly 1,300 flights were cancelled last month, with no end in sight to air traffic control strike action. Housebuilders and

signalled robust conditions in the new-build market, reporting higher first-half sales and prices. In its half-year update, Persimmon posted a 5% rise in revenues to £1.84bn in the six months to June 30. Shares fell 7p to 2,475p. Bovis Homes said it is set for a “significant step up” in first-half profits after a better-than-expected 4% rise in legal completions to 1,580. Bovis shares closed the day 24p lower at 1,098p.

shares surged 6.33% or 74p to 1,243p as the retailer reported higher sales and its second special shareholder payout in two years. Group revenue rose to £872m in the 12 months to April 28 from £752m a year earlier, aided by a near-30% rise in its wholesale division. 2,604p, 3,612p, 942.7p and

Primark

Fashion chain is on course for higher annual profits as strict stock management and markdowns start to pay off. Associated British Foods said it expects Primark’s bottom line to grow thanks to higher operating margins. Despite this, shares fell 113p to 2,604p.

made a pre-tax loss of £26.1m for the year, up from a £6m loss the year before. Revenues for the year ended April 30 rose 101% from £46.7m to £93.6m, with UK sales up 81% to £78m. Shares edged up 0.2p to 318.8p. Social housing provider

is calling a meeting with investors after demands by Shareholder Value Management, which owns an 8.9% stake in Mears, to oust its chairman Bob Holt amid concerns over share price underperformance. Mears’ shares closed 1p higher at 346p.

The biggest FTSE 100 risers were

up 14.6p to 504.8p, up 47.2p to 1,721.6p, up 46p to 2,231p, and up 6.65p to 326.1p. The biggest fallers were down 113p to down 80p to down 17.3p to down 106p to 5,840p.