The FTSE Small Caps Index rises 0.1 percent in mid-session trading, in line with a similar rise on the blue-chip FTSE 100 (FTSE: ^FTSE - news) index but underperforming a 0.5 percent gain on the FTSE 250 (FTSE: ^FTMC - news) mid-cap index.
Media group Trinity Mirror (LSE: TNI.L - news) surges 11.1 percent after a trading update in which the company says its revenue trends are improving, leading Numis Securities to raise its rating on the stock to 'buy' from 'add'.
Engineering (Milan: ENG.MI - news) consultancy group Ricardo (Other OTC: RCDOF - news) also advances 3.4 percent after reporting a strong order book and expressing its confidence of making more progress in its business this year.
Optos (Other OTC: OPOSF - news) slumps 20.5 percent after the medical company posts a drop in interim profits, causing brokers at Numis and Jefferies to both reduce their price targets on the stock.
UTV Media (LSE: UTV.L - news) falls 7.1 percent after reporting a drop in revenues, leading Shore Capital to cut its rating on the stock to 'hold' from 'buy'.
Reuters messaging rm://sudip.kargupta.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net
