Markets subdued as Boris leadership win fails to shock
probe over the company’s business in South Sudan.
Beazley saw profits almost triple in the first half of the year after it was boosted by higher premiums. Shares jumped 28p to 564.5p.
Joules shares were down 6p at 249p despite a bumper performance in its overseas division as it reported full-year numbers.
Weak economic conditions in Nigeria and poor sales in Australia contributed to a slump in profits of more than 30% at consumer goods giant PZ Cussons as the company said it would refocus its attentions on core brands only. Shares dropped 2.5p to 224.5p.
McColl’s shares dipped 3.8p to 66.2p as the convenience store chain admitted it needs to focus on product availability in its shops and close under-performing sites, as profits were almost wiped out in the last six months.
Oil prices were in the red following the latest developments from the Middle East.
David Madden, market analyst at CMC Markets, said: “Dealers are treading lightly in relation to the political stand-off between Western governments and Iran, and even though things have simmered a little, the energy is likely to remain choppy.”
A barrel of Brent Crude oil was down 0.33%, trading at 63.1 US dollars.
The biggest risers on the FTSE 100 were Melrose Inudstries up 9.3p to 192.9p, NMC Health up 93p to 2,420p, Smurfit Kappa Group up 96p to 2,672p and DS Smith up 12.6p to 379.6p.
The biggest fallers on the FTSE 100 were Whitbread down 142p to 4,543p, Just Eat down 18.6p to 622.2p, Auto Trader down 12.6p to 531.4p and Tesco down 5.3p to 229.9p.