LONDON (ShareCast) - (Sharecast News) - London's FTSE 250 was down 0.99% at 19,843.55 in afternoon trade on Monday, with Hunting leading the index lower.
Following close behind, Jupiter Fund Management was retreating after analysts at Barclays cut their price target for the stock from 350p to 310p and reiterated an 'underweight' rating.

Ferrexpo also fell after saying it would "take any actions that are needed" in the interests of shareholders and the company over allegations surrounding chief executive and majority shareholder Kostyantin Zhevago.

Up at the other end of the index, cybersecurity company Sophos surged as it agreed to be bought by US private equity firm Thoma Bravo for $4bn (£3.2bn).

Hargreaves Lansdown analyst Nicholas Hyett said: "It's been a rocky road for Sophos investors; the internet security business missed guidance repeatedly in 2018 and the shares took a pounding as a result. More recent results have stabilised the ship somewhat, but growth has been slower and investor confidence needs a lot of rebuilding."

"Against that background we suspect most investors will be reasonably happy with the offer."

Avast, Mediclinic International and Marston's were all higher ahead of the scheduled release of trading statements later in the week.

Hochschild Mining was also on the rise after analysts at Berenberg upped their rating on the British precious metals firm from 'sell' to 'hold', stating the group's rare earths move was "a bit left-field", but "not a complete surprise".

Finally, Mediterranean-focused Energean Oil and Gas said it was selling Edison Exploration & Production's UK and Norwegian subsidiaries to Neptune Energy Group for $250m in cash.

Market Movers

FTSE 250 (MCX) 19,843.55 -0.99%


FTSE 250 - Risers

Sophos Group (SOPH) 579.40p 36.17%
Brewin Dolphin Holdings (BRW) 325.20p 3.63%
Avast (AVST) 383.20p 3.40%
Hochschild Mining (HOC) 185.00p 3.29%
Elementis (ELM) 148.40p 3.06%
FDM Group (Holdings) (FDM) 688.00p 2.69%
Mediclinic International (MDC) 357.30p 2.58%
PayPoint (PAY) 886.50p 2.37%
Energean Oil & Gas (ENOG) 946.00p 2.05%
Marston's (MARS) 123.60p 1.73%

FTSE 250 - Fallers

Hunting (HTG) 398.80p -6.82%
Jupiter Fund Management (JUP) 315.60p -5.85%
Rathbone Brothers (RAT) 2,340.00p -5.26%
OneSavings Bank (OSB) 356.40p -5.01%
4Imprint Group (FOUR) 2,923.07p -4.79%
Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings (AML) 433.30p -4.77%
Syncona Limited NPV (SYNC) 228.00p -4.60%
Sanne Group (SNN) 540.00p -4.59%
Go-Ahead Group (GOG) 2,090.00p -4.48%
Ferrexpo (FXPO) 141.32p -4.32%

Email this article to a friend

or share it with one of these popular networks:

• DIGG
• FACEBOOK
• STUMBLEUPON
• MIXX
• YAHOO BUZZ
• DELICIOUS
• REDDIT
• NEWSVINE