LONDON (ShareCast) - (Sharecast News) - London's second-tier index dipped on Thursday, as investors paused for breath following a sharp rally in stocks from their recent lows on the back of news of a breakthrough in developing a vaccine against Covid-19.

Pacing losses on the FTSE 250 were some of the best performing issues from over the preceding week, including Georgia-focused TBC Bank, JD Wetherspoon, Mitchells&Butlers and Cineworld.

Dragging on sentiment were the still mounting numbers of new Covid-19 infections both in the UK and across the Channel, although there were hopes that infection curves in some countries might be starting to bend a little.

Going the other way, stock in Qinetiq extended a recovery back towards its post Covid-19 highs.

The day before, the defence contractor had delivered its first light robotic combat vehicle to the US Army together with Pratt Miller Defense.

Marine, oil and gas specialist services provider James Fisher and Sons was also higher, extending its recent run of gains.

Also on the up were shares of Grafton Group after the building materials distributor increased its second-half operating profit guidance, alongside a strong trading performance for the four months ended 31 October.

Market Movers

FTSE 250 (MCX) 19,302.17 -0.20%


FTSE 250 - Risers

QinetiQ Group (QQ.) 323.20p 11.07%
PureTech Health (PRTC) 261.00p 9.89%
AO World (AO.) 420.50p 4.60%
Serco Group (SRP) 119.10p 4.57%
Caledonia Investments (CLDN) 2,920.00p 4.29%
Fisher (James) & Sons (FSJ) 1,006.00p 3.95%
Grafton Group Ut (GFTU) 816.00p 3.68%
Sabre Insurance Group (SBRE) 262.00p 3.56%
Drax Group (DRX) 321.00p 3.41%
Helios Towers (HTWS) 180.80p 3.31%

FTSE 250 - Fallers

Spirent Communications (SPT) 252.00p -11.27%
Cineworld Group (CINE) 43.47p -9.59%
Wetherspoon (J.D.) (JDW) 1,034.00p -7.68%
TBC Bank Group (TBCG) 1,130.00p -6.46%
Carnival (CCL) 1,067.00p -5.03%
Morgan Sindall Group (MGNS) 1,338.00p -4.43%
Rank Group (RNK) 126.00p -4.40%
Mitchells & Butlers (MAB) 213.00p -4.27%
Airtel Africa (AAF) 76.00p -4.16%
Watches of Switzerland Group (WOSG) 458.50p -4.08%

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