(Sharecast News) - FTSE 250 (MCX) 19,910.79 -1.08%

Shares in shipping services company Clarkson slumped 20% in early trade on Monday as trade tariffs, political tensions and economic weakness resulted in lower freight rates and asset values, causing a decrease in spot business, even though annual results met expectations.

Underlying pre-tax earnings rose 6% to £115.3m in line with upgraded guidance published in January, while revenue was up to £661m from £639m. The company lifted guidance in a trading update last January.

Assura said on Monday that it was "minded to recommend" an improved, £1.61bn cash takeover proposal from investment firms KKR and Stonepeak.

The consortium has offered 49.4p per share, which is 2.9% increase on the previous proposal of 48p per share.

Watches of Switzerland rallied as it launched a £25m share buyback.

Market Movers

FTSE 250 - Risers

Assura (AGR) 46.56p 14.29%

Sirius Real Estate Ltd. (SRE) 83.10p 4.99%

Primary Health Properties (PHP) 93.70p 3.54%

Wood Group (John) (WG.) 38.66p 3.42%

Watches of Switzerland Group (WOSG) 465.00p 3.10%

Supermarket Income Reit (SUPR) 73.60p 2.79%

Pennon Group (PNN) 402.80p 2.65%

Urban Logistics Reit (SHED) 125.20p 2.45%

IP Group (IPO) 39.45p 2.33%

Domino's Pizza Group (DOM) 293.00p 2.23%

FTSE 250 - Fallers

Clarkson (CKN) 3,550.00p -19.50%

Alpha Group International (ALPH) 2,435.00p -8.46%

Travis Perkins (TPK) 585.50p -7.58%

Ferrexpo (FXPO) 70.20p -7.51%

Quilter (QLT) 148.80p -6.06%

Carnival (CCL) 1,367.50p -5.69%

Victrex plc (VCT) 994.00p -5.15%

Kainos Group (KNOS) 693.00p -5.07%

Allianz Technology Trust (ATT) 364.00p -4.71%

Raspberry PI Holdings (RPI) 571.75p -4.71%