UK small caps rise 0.3 percent, in line with the mid-caps and slightly ahead of the main blue-chip index, up 0.1 percent.
Shares in Bloomsbury Publishing (LSE: BMY.L - news) rise 6.1 percent as the company behind the Harry Potter books records a 16 percent rise in its full-year continuing profit before tax, despite lower revenue.
"(Bloomsbury's) profit is above forecast on lower sales, so margin better given mix," Investec (LSE: INVP.L - news) 's analysts say in a note, reiterating their "buy" stance on the stock. "This and a confident outlook statement imply modest upgrades."
Shares in Darty fall 0.4 percent to 66.3 pence as the French-based electrical goods retailer reports a sales drop in the three months to April.
"The dividend is now uncovered and the new CEO (Régis Schulz) might decide to cut it," analysts at Panmure Gordon says in a note.
They keep their "sell" stance on the shares but raise their target price to 50 pence from 40 pence on the basis that the group is closing some loss-making businesses.
Reuters messaging rm://francesco.canepa.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net
