FTSE 250 movers: Essar rebounds while Aquarius plummets

30th Apr 2012 15:37

Essar Energy saw its share price jump by nearly a tenth today with analysts pinning the stock's performance to a simple correction following its recent slump. Even after taking today's rise into account, the stock is still worth less than half off its six-month high of 312.1p.Platinum producer Aquarius was heading the other way after attributable production for the group's fiscal third quarter decreased by 7% quarter-on-quarter to 97,802 4E (platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold) ounces, as the group was hit by seasonal absenteeism, safety stoppages, industrial action and poor weather conditions. Morgan Crucible was performing strongly after Jefferies upgraded the stock from hold to buy, citing the recent underperformance in the shares ahead of its interim management statement next week. Meanwhile, Hikma Pharmaceuticals was making gains after the same broker reiterated its buy rating on the stock, saying that the "recent sell-off provides a compelling entry point". Despite the challenging conditions that have persisted within the financial markets, financial software provider Fidessa continued to deliver growth during the first quarter of 2012, helping shares higher today. The stock was also given a lift by FinnCap which this morning upgraded its rating from sell to hold.FTSE 250 - RisersEssar Energy (ESSR) 147.30p +9.68%Hikma Pharmaceuticals (HIK) 634.50p +4.79%Invensys (ISYS) 220.40p +4.21%Fidessa Group (FDSA) 1,548.00p +3.20%Bumi (BUMI) 519.00p +2.17%Chemring Group (CHG) 330.70p +2.07%Morgan Crucible Co (MGCR) 327.60p +1.83%Travis Perkins (TPK) 1,062.00p +1.82%Heritage Oil (HOIL) 149.00p +1.71%Stobart Group Ltd. (STOB) 128.10p +1.67%FTSE 250 - FallersAquarius Platinum Ltd. (AQP) 128.40p -11.39%Ruspetro (RPO) 188.60p -4.26%FirstGroup (FGP) 194.00p -3.43%Talvivaara Mining Company (TALV) 182.50p -3.18%SEGRO (SGRO) 222.50p -2.75%Logica (LOG) 77.70p -2.57%Michael Page International (MPI) 416.40p -2.53%Genus (GNS) 1,405.00p -2.36%PZ Cussons (PZC) 332.90p -2.26%Northgate (NTG) 199.20p -2.26%BC