The FTSE 100 is up 0.6% in early trading to 7,261.82 shrugging off the continuing stand-off between Mexico and the US over trade.Several stocks traded ex-dividend including housebuilder Taylor Wimpey (TW.) which led the list of FTSE fallers down 6.6%.Transport operator Go-Ahead Group (GOG) gains 10% as it lifts its outlook on its London and international bus division due to 'strong'...

London's FTSE 100 opens on the front foot, up 3.8 points to 7,457 despite an overnight decline on Asian markets and with inflation data due mid-morning.Equipment rental specialist Ashtead (AHT) advances 4.2% to £21.04 on news full year profits are likely to beat previous expectations, with second quarter trading boosted by clean-up work following hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria.Reporting a...

The devastating slide in Imagination Technologies (IMG) shares on 3 April after being ditched by its largest customer Apple is just the latest and most high profile in a string of setbacks for firms with heavily-concentrated client bases.Shares in the microchip designer fell by more than 60%, with more than £500m wiped off its market value, as Apple said it would stop using the group's...

Rugby-based Autins (AUTG:AIM) has dealt investors a massive blow just six months after joining the stock market. Chief executive Jim Griffin has walked out in the wake of a shock profit warning as a major customer changed the terms of a supply deal, cutting volumes and altering the timing of deliveries.The contract, speculated to be with Jaguar Rover, is understood by analysts to likely leave...

Broadband and calls supplier TalkTalk (TALK) has announced the departure of CEO Dido Harding a the group posted a sharp fall in third quarter revenue. Tristia Harrison, currently the managing director of TalkTalk Consumer, has been lined up as replacement once Harding leaves in May. She will have experienced help, with group founder Charles Dunstone set to take on the role of executive...

Small cap fund managers typically enjoy the privilege of being able to meet company bosses on a regular basis. They get a chance to sit down and properly understand the businesses' risks and opportunities.This can provide valuable information on which to base investment decisions - not just the initial purchase of shares but also to reassess the investment case as time goes on.Unicorn Asset...

We are big fans of smaller companies and that is reflected by the generous space given to this area of the market in our weekly digital magazine and across our website.Many investors welcome the challenge of sifting through the large number of junior companies on the market. We certainly help with this journey by highlighting what we believe are the best opportunities, as well as companies we...

There is a clamour for shares in Autins (AUTG:AIM) after it raised £26.6 million in an oversubscribed placing alongside its AIM IPO.On its first day on the junior market, shares surged 22% higher from the opening price of 168p to 207.5p. We think there is scope for further upside as the company's investment in its inventory of products pays dividends.Formed in 1966, Autins supplies noise and...

London's FTSE 100 trades 13.1 points lower at 6,845.9 in early dealings, investors cautious with corporate news thin on the ground and once again turning their attentions to the US Federal Reserve's Jackson Hole meeting later this week.Among the key movers is Irish-headquartered insulation and specialist building materials maker Kingspan (KGP), which clips ahead 5.4% to €24 on its...