The FTSE 100 opens down by nine points to 7,404.34 after US and Asian markets posted gains overnight. US Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen has indicated that any interest rate raises would be gradual which seems to have calmed markets worried about unexpected hikes.
Struggling construction services company Carillion (CLLN) gets some reprieve as its shares recover 10.3% to 61.15p. The firm has had a nightmare week since issuing a profit warning and getting rid of its CEO but has now appointed HSBC as joint corporate advisor and broker. Andrew Gibb, analyst at RBC Capital Markets, suggests the company may be selling its construction division.
Staffer Hays (HAS) shares enjoy a 1.85% lift to 170.6p as its trading statement shows that it has grown 7% in its fourth quarter to 30 June compared to the same time last year. The company also says that its full year operating profit is expected to be marginally ahead of market expectations, which it ‘understands to be £209.5m’.
Investment trust NewRiver REIT (NRR) shares are up by 3.1% to 353p as it reveals it has successfully raised £225m of equity to deploy for acquisitions. The company also says that it has obtained planning consent for projects in Oxford including a regeneration of a shopping centre and 226 residential properties.
FTSE 100 outsourcer DCC (DCC) shares remain broadly flat at £70.70 as the company tells investors its first quarter to 30 June was in line with expectations and ahead of the prior year. Its sale of its environmental division completed on schedule on 30 May.
Dixons Carphone (DC.) lost 1.06% in early trading to 261.70p after revealing it has sold its Spanish business for €55m to Spanish telecom group Global Dominion Access.
