Brexit-induced panic seems to have faded with the markets in more upbeat mood on Friday, the FTSE 100 up 22.3 points at 7,060 and the FTSE 250 rebounding by 36 points to 18,698, although investors will be watching like a hawk for any new indicators of whether parliament is likely to approve or reject Theresa May’s Brexit plan.

In corporate news, construction play Kier (KIE) improves 27.5p (3.3%) to 852.5p on reassuring news it is on track to meet full year 2019 expectations, albeit with the results being weighted towards the second half of the financial year. Flagging progress with net debt reduction, the infrastructure services, buildings and housing group insists its Future Proofing Kier (FPK) programme ‘positions the group well for an improvement in profitability and cash generation’ and its order books and development pipelines remain strong.

Cigarettes titan Imperial Brands (IMB) wafts 1.7% higher to £26.47 on a constructive and well-received response to the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) moves to prevent youth access to tobacco and vapour products.

‘We share the same concerns and objectives as the FDA: the use by minors of these products is completely unacceptable. Vapour products are for adult smokers and their sale to anyone underage should be prevented’, says Imperial Brands, which believes that ‘through our blu product range we offer adult smokers a significantly better alternative than combustible cigarettes and consistently reinforce this message, while at the same time working actively against youth access to, and usage of, our products.'

Specialist asset manager Intermediate Capital (ICP), which yesterday reported a significant hike in half year profits, sparks up 4.4% to 992p. The gain is triggered by a show of confidence from chairman Kevin Parry and CEO Benoit Durteste, who’ve bought shares in their charge at average prices of 973.57p and 962.95p respectively.

Lower down the market cap ranks, Eagle Eye Solutions (EYE:AIM), a Software as a Service (SaaS) marketing tech specialist which helps businesses attract and retain customers through digital promotions and loyalty services, puts on 5.3% to trade at 130.5p following a positive annual general meeting update.

Strong first quarter progress included sales growth of 26% and a narrowed EBITDA loss and Eagle Eye remains on track for a move to EBITDA profitability. There’s also excitement as Eagle Eye reveals a recent three-year contract inked with Burger King, its first quick service restaurant customer.

Also in demand is Good Energy (GOOD:AIM), bid up 9.6% to 97.5p on news the renewable energy play has traded ‘slightly ahead’ of management expectations with continued strong cash generation in the 10 months to October. ‘Despite the challenges facing the energy sector, we are excited to continue our progress into 2019 and beyond as we look to make clean energy the natural choice for the population,’ insists founder and CEO Juliet Davenport.

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Issue Date: 16 Nov 2018