FTSE 250 movers: Evraz soars on latest rumours

7th Jul 2014 15:45

Evraz shares extended Friday's gains, today lifted by rumours Mechel, a Russian miner, is planning to merge its assets with the steel giant. At the end of last week the group was lifted by rumours it was looking to offload a stake in its North American assets in an effort to cut debt. Balfour Beatty recovered some of Friday's losses in today's session, lifted in part by Berenberg, which retained its 'buy' rating on the infrastructure group. Iron ore pellet producer Ferrexpo was higher after it posted a 2.5% climb in first half own ore production levels, keeping it on track to deliver an annualised production rate of 12m tonnes in the second half. Meanwhile, domestic appliance retailer AO World was a heavy faller, extending the losses seen since its flotation in London in February. Since listing, the stock has fallen by nearly 37%.A number of the group's fellow retailers Pets at Home Group, Supergroup and Home Retail were also heading firmly lower. UK-focused residential developer Taylor Wimpey was another faller despite saying it saw a reduction in "market risk" in the first half as the housing market continued to strengthen. Sales rates and pricing were at the upper end of forecasts during the first six months of the year, showing the benefit of the traditionally strong spring selling season.Segro, the real estate investment trust, dropped following the news it has signed a deal for the sale of Pegasus Park in Brussels for £66.2m. The group said the proceeds were in line with the book value at the 2013 year-end and represent a yield to Segro of 9%. FTSE 250 - RisersEvraz (EVR) 99.70p +2.78%Workspace Group (WKP) 603.50p +2.55%Big Yellow Group (BYG) 515.50p +2.38%Balfour Beatty (BBY) 226.00p +2.36%Serco Group (SRP) 368.50p +1.80%Poundland Group (PLND) 343.90p +1.75%ITE Group (ITE) 246.80p +1.69%Betfair Group (BET) 1,037.00p +1.67%Man Group (EMG) 114.10p +1.06%Perform Group (PER) 232.30p +0.91%FTSE 250 - FallersAO World (AO.) 249.70p -6.13%Pets at Home Group (PETS) 186.10p -4.81%Supergroup (SGP) 1,076.00p -3.76%Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group (JLT) 1,022.00p -3.68%Fisher (James) & Sons (FSJ) 1,350.00p -3.57%Fidessa Group (FDSA) 2,228.00p -3.55%Bellway (BWY) 1,536.00p -3.34%Home Retail Group (HOME) 179.50p -3.34%Beazley (BEZ) 253.80p -3.20%Telecom Plus (TEP) 1,288.00p -3.08%NR