FTSE 250 movers: Micros Focus on the up following ratings upgrade

5th Apr 2012 15:10

Micro Focus was making gains after UBS raised its recommendation on the stock from neutral to buy and lifted its target price from 440p to 525p. Meanwhile, car and bike parts retailer Halfords took a hit after admitting its like-for-like sales were still heading south in 2012 albeit not as fast as they back-pedalled in 2011. Sector peers Kesa Electricals, Home Retail and Dixons didn't fare much better. Russia-focused oil producer Exillon Energy shares were falling despite the firm producing an average of 11,785 barrels per day during March, better than average output the month before. The amount was still well off its full-year target. Wholesale food business Booker was also heading lower, although somewhat unexpectedly given the fact its LFL sales in its fourth quarter rose while its expansion in India continues. Total LFL sales in the 12 weeks to 23 March rose by 4.8% on the same period of 2011. FTSE 250 - RisersTalvivaara Mining Company (TALV) 239.80p +7.49%Perform Group (PER) 308.10p +4.55%National Express Group (NEX) 237.60p +3.98%Bwin.party Digital Entertainment (BPTY) 160.90p +3.47%Micro Focus International (MCRO) 469.40p +3.41%Sports Direct International (SPD) 289.80p +3.32%Spirit Pub Company (SPRT) 60.50p +2.54%Soco International (SIA) 304.00p +2.53%ITE Group (ITE) 222.00p +2.45%Grainger (GRI) 104.80p +2.44%FTSE 250 - FallersPetra Diamonds Ltd.(DI) (PDL) 165.50p -6.97%Exillon Energy (EXI) 134.80p -4.40%Ruspetro (RPO) 207.90p -4.19%Booker Group (BOK) 81.20p -4.02%International Personal Finance (IPF) 254.10p -3.86%Home Retail Group (HOME) 105.30p -3.75%Avocet Mining (AVM) 170.30p -2.85%Dunelm Group (DNLM) 507.00p -2.50%Dixons Retail (DXNS) 18.05p -2.43%Halfords Group (HFD) 308.00p -2.35%NR