Beyond the Footsie: Monday close
SMALLER companies ended in the red, tracking the broader market amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The FTSE SmallCap index closed down 6.2 points at 2545.3, with trade dominated by news in the technology sector.
Quadranet, developer of software for the restaurant industry, gained 1/4p to 2 1/2p after winning a contract with Eurodisney to supply a central reservations system. Blazepoint firmed 1/4p to 2 1/4p after the computer printer manufacturer won two contracts worth more than £2m.
IT network products firm Azlan rose 9 1/2p to 146p after it said revenues and pre-tax profits for this year will be ahead of last year. UBS Warburg reiterated a 'buy' rating, with a price target of 160p.
Antisoma climbed 1 3/4p to 21 1/2p. The drugs firm said its Thioplatin anti-cancer treatment had shown promising activity. Nomura advised clients to 'hold' the stock.
But Direct Message tumbled 1/2p to 3 1/2p, on a disappointing trading statement. The outdoor advertising firm said it was still being hurt by poor market conditions and that it was in talks with its banks.
Christian Salvesen also came under pressure, losing 4 1/2p to 94p after the logistics firm warned it expects full-year results to be at the lower end of market expectations. Old Mutual cut its estimates, retaining a 'hold' rating.
Smaller companies spotlight
