STOCKS NEWS EUROPE-FTSE AIM index slips, IQE outperforms
Junior-listed AIM shares fall 0.1 percent, lagging a 0.3 percent rise from the FTSE Small Cap index, but outperforming the midcaps, off 0.2 percent.
Semiconductor materials maker IQE (LSE: IQE.L - news) climbs 6.7 percent after it estimates a 49 percent jump in 2013 core earnings, helped by strong sales growth and improved operational efficiencies.
"Whilst timing remains uncertain, the group is well-positioned to capitalise on the opportunities emerging in the various end markets," N+1 Singer says in a note.
"We forecast strong EPS growth, and expect the group to move into free cash generation through FY'14 and FY'15," the broker says.
Potash miner Sirius Minerals (Other OTC: SRUXF - news) climbs 5.6 percent after winning a sales deal with a U.S. company.
Reuters messaging rm://tricia.wright1.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net