STOCKS NEWS EUROPE-FTSE AIM index outperforms; Stratex Intl strong

Junior-listed AIM shares and the FTSE Small Cap index gain 0.8 percent and 0.6 percent respectively, outpacing the mid-caps, up 0.4 percent, and the blue chips, which gain 0.3 percent.

Shares in Stratex International rise 6.1 percent after the AIM-quoted exploration and development company says it started the year with a cash balance of approximately 10 million pounds ($16.4 million) and forecasts that production at Altintepe gold mine in Turkey will commence this year.

"There is much to look forward to from Stratex," analysts at SP Angel, which acts as a broker to Stratex, say in a note.

"The team is focused on developing value and monetising gold and copper projects with a number of new areas offing good potential. We expect first production from the new gold mine this year to continue to support the company's exploration and development programs."

Brady (NYSE: BRC - news) gains 4.7 percent after the company - which supplies trading and risk management solutions for commodities, recycling and energy - says it has signed four new significant licence agreements.

"The news is further evidence that the contract momentum seems to be fully restored," analysts at Panmure Gordon note, reiterating a 'buy' recommendation.

Reuters messaging rm://antonina.vorobyova.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net ($1 = 0.6104 British pounds)