FTSE 250 Movers: Retailers dive on consumer confidence

21st Dec 2011 14:42

Retailers were the heavy fallers after the GfK NOP UK consumer confidence index fell to its lowest level since February 2009. The index decreased to -33 points in December from -31 the month before. The market consensus had been expecting a small up-tick to -31. A downbeat report by Fitch hasn't done much to help sentiment either. UK retailers face higher risks than their Continental European peers in 2012," the rating agency said. "This is due to a combination of a weaker consumer environment and currency, and lower international diversification compared with many Continental European retailers."Online grocer Ocado took the bottom spot, closely followed by retailers Halfords, Dixons, Supergroup and Home Retail.Meanwhile, Kenmare Resources soared into the top spot on rumours it had placed a multi-million rand order for 32 pumps to aid the expansion of its Moma Titanium Mine in Mozambique. The expansion, which will increase the size of the plant by 50%, is set to reach completion by the first quarter of next year, according to dredgingtoday.com. Ferrexpo was still rising one day after it was reported that the iron ore pellet producer is gaining market share in Asia. According to metalbulletin.com the firm said it has won new contracts in Asia, although did not reveal any specific locations. Gem Diamonds was also performing well after broker Goldman Sachs upgraded the stock to "buy" after praising the firm's Letsend mine in Lesotho. FTSE 250 - RisersKenmare Resources (KMR) 42.12p +7.94%Ferrexpo (FXPO) 269.10p +5.28%Anglo Pacific Group (APF) 262.10p +4.84%Spirent Communications (SPT) 110.70p +4.63%Computacenter (CCC) 338.50p +4.25%Gem Diamonds Ltd. (DI) (GEMD) 190.10p +4.22%ITE Group (ITE) 204.50p +3.97%JD Sports Fashion (JD.) 628.00p +3.63%Great Portland Estates (GPOR) 330.60p +3.51%Big Yellow Group (BYG) 250.00p +3.18%FTSE 250 - FallersOcado Group (OCDO) 54.05p -5.84%Moneysupermarket.com Group (MONY) 98.60p -3.14%Hochschild Mining (HOC) 394.50p -2.76%Halfords Group (HFD) 292.80p -2.72%Dixons Retail (DXNS) 9.49p -2.62%Supergroup (SGP) 484.10p -2.52%Home Retail Group (HOME) 80.60p -2.42%Bumi (BUMI) 913.00p -2.30%Fidessa Group (FDSA) 1,435.00p -2.11%Homeserve (HSV) 283.90p -2.10%NR