Stock markets are fighting back after a torrid week for global equities with the FTSE 100 up 0.9% to 7,069.77, though the index is still down more than 3% since the start of the week. These articles (click here and here) help explain some of the factors behind the worldwide sell-off.

Investment manager Man Group (EMG) jumps 2.4% to 148.9p on news its funds under management had inched up in the third quarter despite a bout of market volatility.

Emerging markets-focused rival Ashmore (ASHM) gains 0.9% to 348.6p as positive net inflows helped it grow its assets under management, too.

Sportswear retailer Sports Direct (SPD) gains 1.7% to 315.1p as it agrees to acquire the Frasers department store in Glasgow for £95m.

The bad news keeps coming for cafe chain Patisserie (CAKE:AIM), whose shares are currently suspended, as it reveals its finance director Chris Marsh had been arrested by police.

Marsh had been suspended by the company amid accounting irregularities that have sent it to the brink of collapse.

Technical products group Diploma (DPLM) gains 1.3% to £12.53 on news it acquired protective sleeving group Actios for an undisclosed sum, broadening its reach across Europe.

Technical plastics products supplier Carclo (CAR) falls 4.7% to 81.95p as it warns it will fall short of half-year profit expectations owing to order delays.

Plastics developer Symphony Environmental Technologies (SYM:AIM) tumbles 23.7% to 7.44p as it forecasts lower earnings owing to order delays in its key Middle East market.

Manchester-based molecular diagnostics group Premaitha Health (NIPT) gains 1.2% to 8.35p on the back of a 45% rise in first-half revenue and 'strong start' to the second half.

Online marketing company for the gaming industry Veltyco (VLTY:AIM) sheds 1.5% to 34p as it announces chief executive Melissa Blau's immediate departure 'in order to focus on other business interests'.

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Issue Date: 12 Oct 2018