STOCKS NEWS EUROPE-UK small caps advance, but lag broader market

The FTSE Small Cap index and junior-listed AIM shares climb 0.6 percent and 0.3 percent respectively, lagging the mid-caps and the blue chips, both up 1.5 percent.

Aggregates business Breedon Aggregates (LSE: BREE.L - news) advances 3.2 percent after the company's full-year results, which shows a 29.5 percent rise in revenues to 224.5 million pounds ($375.3 million).

"Good figures from Breedon notably reflect the benefit of acquisitions, but also a good volume performance over and above industry levels," Numis Securities writes in a note.

"In the coming year we expect a better macro outlook, and the group should once again outpace volume increases while self-help (including full integration of the Scottish acquisition) will benefit margins," the broker adds.

Healthcare services (NasdaqGS: HCSG - news) provider Ultrasis (LSE: ULT.L - news) jumps almost 17 percent in brisk trade after winning a three-year public sector contract.

Trading volume in Ultrasis stands at more than six times its 90-day daily average.

($1 = 0.5982 British pounds)

Reuters messaging rm://tricia.wright1.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net