UK small caps advance 0.1 percent, underperforming the wider market, with the mid-caps up 0.4 percent and the blue chips 0.3 percent firmer.
Life assurance specialist Chesnara (LSE: CSN.L - news) edges up 1 percent after issuing a solid trading update, prompting Panmure Gordon to lift its target price for the firm to 315 pence.
Capital Drilling (LSE: CAPD.L - news) drops more than 11 percent after the drilling company posts a trading update which details weaker market conditions, with Canaccord Genuity reducing its earnings estimates for the firm.
Reuters messaging rm://tricia.wright1.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net
