MARKET REPORT

THE FTSE 100 eked out gains yesterday but still ended the week lower after a rollercoaster stretch that had investors concerned that Turkey’s financial woes could affect Europe.

London’s blue-chip index ended the day relatively flat, up just 0.03% or 2.21 points at 7,558.59 points. However, it was still down around 0.8% for the week.

In currency markets, the pound was mixed, up 0.1% versus the US dollar at 1.273 but down 0.1% against the euro at 1.115.

In UK stocks, jumped 9p to 243.5p on news that it has clinched a £16.2m deal to purchase waste and recycling firm Weir Waste Services.

Biffa said the takeover will allow it to increase its footprint in Birmingham, where Weir Waste has a recycling and waste treatment site.

The company also announced yesterday that it had agreed three other acquisitions for a total of £3.9m.

shares fell 0.3p to 240.9p. The company confirmed that it had appointed its deputy chief financial officer, Katie Murray, as its interim finance head as it continues to search for Ewen Stevenson’s permanent replacement. He will remain on the board until September 30 and will be on gardening leave until his employment ends on November 30.

rose 0.6p to 57.8p after announcing it had won a £105m contract for two new facilities at Durham University. The outsourcer will design, build, finance and operate two new campus facilities over a 51-year period, acting as part of a consortium including asset management firm Equitix and student accommodation developer Campus Living Villages UK.

was up 0.89p at 13.23p, as shares continued to be lifted by rumours that retail boss Mike Ashley might merge it with rival department store House of Fraser.

Mr Ashley, founder and chief executive of Sports Direct, announced last week that he was buying House of Fraser out of administration for £90m. The news has sparked speculation that the retail tycoon might also swoop on Debenhams, which has issued a number of profit warnings this year, and combine it with House of Fraser.

The biggest risers on the FTSE 100 were up 10p at 640.8p,

up 22.5p

down 5.6p at 542.7p. at 1,697.5p, up 31p at 2,338p, and up 5.3p at 466.6p. The biggest FTSE 100 fallers were down 16.6p at 827p, down 64p at 5,460p, down 3.6p at 334.6p, and