The FTSE 100 opened down following weak trading on Wall Street although a dip in sterling's value helped limit the losses on the UK’s main exchange.

In corporate news, FTSE 100 hospitality company Whitbread (WTB) loses 3.6% to £38.02 despite releasing results for the half year to 31 August that are ‘in line with expectations’. The company has opened 2000 new Premier Inn rooms during the period and its revenue and underlying operating profit are up 7.4% and 7.1% to £1.7bn and £342m respectively. However, like-for-like sales growth at Costa Coffee slowed by more than expected to just 0.6%.

International services provider Serco (SRP) ticks up 1.7% to 118.2p as it announces two acquisitions. It has acquired US defence firm BTP Systems, which provides satellite communication and radar engineering services, as well as a portfolio of UK health facilities management contracts from beleaguered rival Carillion (CLLN).

Carillion itself surges 16.6% higher to 51p on news it has agreed new credit facilities and deferrals on some of its debt payments.

Energy services group Hunting (HTG) is up 6.8% to 487.9p after releasing a strong third quarter trading update. The company says that group revenues continued to ‘strengthen, primarily driven by US onshore activity’. Management now expects full year revenues to be around $700m and Hunting also appointed Jim Johnson as chief executive on 1 September.

Mining company Anglo American (AAL) ticks up 3p to £14.47 on reporting a 6% increase in copper production during its third quarter to 30 September. For the first nine months of the year, copper production has increased by 8% on a year on year basis.

Publishing house Bloomsbury Publishing (BMY) perks up 2.2% to 165p on revealing its half year results to 31 August. Total revenues are up 15% to £72.1m while adjusted pre-tax profit grew by £1m to £2.5m.

Carpet and floor coverings purveyor Carpetright (CPR) is trodden down 5.6% to 170p after warning first half profits will be below last year. The retailer also posts disappointing UK like-for-like sales growth of 0.8%, with consumers cutting back on big ticket purchases. Total sales were up 1.8% during the same period as the company seeks to convert stores to its ‘new brand identity’ which has led to reduced bed sales.

Wealth manager St James's Place (STJ) improves 11p to £11.81 after releasing a strong set of results for the three months to 30 September. The company’s enjoyed gross inflows into its funds of £3.59bn compared to £2.8bn at the same time last year. Funds under management stand at £85.7bn, a 20% increase on a year-on-year basis.

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Issue Date: 24 Oct 2017