FTSE 250 movers: Food producers lead gains

4th Jul 2011 15:28

The FTSE 250 index climbed higher as overall sentiment remained positive in London after the top share index breached the psychologically important 6,000 points level earlier in the day. Food producers led the gains on the mid-cap stock index with Premier Foods and Ocado Group being among the top risers. In contrast, general retailers largely remained unwanted with shares of Dixon Retail, Sports Direct International and Carpetright weighing on the index.Charter International contributed to the rise after brokerage Panmure Gordon raised its target price on Charter despite thinking the engineering firm is in a "sorry state." Panmure praised Charter's welding business as a leader in territories and end-industries outside of North America and China, which would attract other potential buyers in addition to Melrose. Animal genetics company Genus was the only stock in the red territory. Genus said the markets it operates in have "remained generally favourable" and trading has been in line with its expectations despite seeing weak porcine demand in Europe. FTSE 250 - RisersPremier Foods (PFD) 18.71p +9.54%Pace (PIC) 112.80p +5.13%Ocado Group (OCDO) 195.90p +4.26%RPS Group (RPS) 254.90p +4.04%Kofax (KFX) 462.80p +4.00%Brewin Dolphin Holdings (BRW) 153.00p +3.80%Croda International (CRDA) 1,985.00p +3.76%Anglo Pacific Group (APF) 322.50p +3.66%Cable & Wireless Worldwide (CW.) 47.99p +3.61%Imagination Technologies Group (IMG) 411.40p +3.42%FTSE 250 - FallersDixons Retail (DXNS) 15.98p -4.37%Telecom Plus (TEP) 670.00p -2.83%Betfair Group (BET) 749.50p -2.73%Sports Direct International (SPD) 234.50p -2.29%Telecity Group (TCY) 544.50p -2.24%International Personal Finance (IPF) 380.40p -2.16%Stagecoach Group (SGC) 262.80p -2.12%Inchcape (INCH) 417.40p -1.88%Carpetright (CPR) 625.50p -1.81%QinetiQ Group (QQ.) 127.00p -1.63%