UK shares remain largely flat as traders reveal their caution ahead of Bank of England issuing its interest rate and quantitative easing decisions at midday. Resources, financials and some retailers were softer. Wall St ended higher, and Asian bourses lower.

US-focused miner Atlantic Coal (ATC:AIM) rises 14.3% to 0.16p after reporting a 26% rise in turnover so far this calendar year. It says coal prices will go up from 12 October by $10 per ton and that it is increasing efficiencies in production and transport.

The ex-dividend date sends South African Property Opportunities (SAPO:AIM) dives 28.2% to 12.3p as the company prepares to hand 5p a share dividend to investors, or a 40.6% yield.

Recruiter Hays (HAS) falls 3.9% to 140p as emerging markets currency losses trimmed 5% off like-for-like net fee income growth, resulting in a paltry 3% gain, according to first quarter results.

City of London Investment Group (CLIG) falls 6.6% to 318p as it reveals volatility in emerging markets caused its assets under management (AuM) to tumble 14.3% in the last three months. AuM now stands at $3.6 billion (£2.4 billion).

UK bookmaker Ladbrokes (LAD) gains 2.2% to 105.8p after appointing Kristof Fahy as chief marketing officer to lead its brand and marketing activity across digital and retail. Fahy joins from Telegraph Media Group and previously worked at William Hill (WMH).

Upholstered furniture retailer DFS Furniture (DFS) rises 3% to 318p as record maiden full-year results, revealing growth on several fronts, trigger earnings upgrades. DFS also pleases with a higher-than-expected inaugural dividend of 9.3p.

Curtains, cushions and quilts purveyor Dunelm (DNLM) edges 1.5% higher to 908.5p on a better-than-expected first quarter trading statement, which includes news of the acquisition of British pillows and duvets brand Fogarty.

Empiric Student Property (ESP) slips 1% to 108.3p on outlining plans to sell shares for 106.5p each to institutions at a 2.7% discount. The proceeds are expected to help develop its pipeline. Further details will be published later on Thursday.

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Issue Date: 08 Oct 2015