Kesa (LSE: KESA) falls on tough European trading, but Sage (LSE: SGE) marches onwards.
With markets being so volatile these days, we could be forgiven for expecting the FTSE 100 (UKX) to slump again today. But with optimism from the G20 summit and expectations that the eurozone is closer to a deal to lower borrowing costs across the continent, the UK's index of top shares retained the ground it has gained, and it reached 5,597 in early trading, for a small 0.1% rise.
News of falling bond yields -- Spain's are back below 7%, just -- lent support to other indexes as well, with the German DAX edging up 0.2% to 6,376. But France's CAC 40 lost a few points to fall to 3,108.
Top risers
Healthcare Locums (LSE: HLO) put on a nice 20% rise this morning, after legal action against the company in the US -- brought by a number of investment managers -- was dropped. Up 0.7p, the shares reached 4p in early trading.
Irish flag carrier Aer Lingus (LSE: AERL) was a big early riser today, on the announcement of a new offer from Ryanair Holdings (LSE: RYA) for 100% of its share capital. The share price rose 18% to €1.09, while Ryanair's price blipped up a fraction to €4.01.
Blinkx (LSE: BLNX), the maker of smart video search software, enjoyed some respite today with the announcement of a new partnership with news network Newsy. The hard-pressed shares regained 2.8p, or 7.5%, to 40.3p.
Accounting software expert Sage Group (LSE: SGE) perked up on the acquisition of a Brazilian software company, gaining 7.3p for a 3% gain to 261p.
Fallers
Kesa Electricals (LSE: KESA), the European chain and former owner of the UK's Comet, released full-year results today, telling us that "markets throughout Europe have been exceptionally difficult". Adjusted pre-tax profit fell by nearly a half, prompting the shares to lose 9% to 50p, and they're now down 60% on the year. The firm will also change its name to Darty, after its flagship European outlet.
Braemar Shipping (LSE: BMS), which has had a rocky ride this year, saw its shares slump by 30p for an 8% fall to 326p, after an interim management statement told of weakness in some sectors of its business.
Minerals and oil
Gold, minerals and oil explorers figured in early news, too, with Cluff Gold (LSE: CLF) gaining a shiny 5% to 71p after a new gold discovery in Cote d'Ivoire. But antimony miner Tri-Star Resources (LSE: TSTR) lost 10% to 0.7p after the release of its latest operational update.
The news wasn't good for Gold Oil (LSE: GOO), which has seen its share price boom and bust in recent months. Today's bad news took the form of a disappointing trading update, and the shares dropped 6% to 4.2p.
But Sirius Minerals (LSE: SXX) saw a small rise to 16.5p, up 4.5%, after the appointment of Alan Watling as new managing director of one of its projects.
As always, this morning's news saw some winners and losers -- and perhaps some buying opportunities. For more share ideas, the Motley Fool's "Top Sectors For 2012" report outlines some attractive companies within three favourable industries. The report is free to all private investors -- and you can download your copy now.
The Motley Fool is helping Britain invest. Better. And with the economy so uncertain, we're urging everyone to read "10 Steps To Making A Million In The Market" -- it may transform your wealth. Click here now to request your free, no-obligation copy.
Further investment opportunities:
> Alan Oscroft does not own any share mentioned in this article.
