FTSE 100 recovers some ground after positive start for US stocks
The UK blue chip index is virtually flat as Dow moves higher on its 125th anniversary
FTSE 100 down just 2 points
US stocks open higher
3.22pm: Aveva moves to the top of the risers
With Wall Street staying in positive territory, the FTSE 100 has regained some ground and is trading virtually flat.
The index is down just 2.1 points at 7027.69, with Aveva PLC (LON:AVV) topping the risers. The software group is up 2.79% at 3421p in the wake of its recent results.
But banking shares continue to hold the market back, as do Intertek PLC (LON:ITRK) and British Land Company PLC (LON:BLND) following their figures.
PureTech Health lifted after associate receives funding for its digital therapeutics product
A look at the major movers on the London market on Wednesday
It has been a busy day in the healthcare world.
Vectura Group PLC (LON:VEC) has jumped 32.79% to 162p after the company, which is developing an inhaled treatment for COVID-19, backed a £958mln or 155p a share takeover offer from private equity group Carlyle.
Meanwhile Spire Heatlhcare Group (LON:SPI) is being bought by Australia s Ramsay Health Care Ltd (ASX:RHC) for £999mln or 240p a share. The private hospital group has added 26.17% to 243.5p.
Mediclinic PLC (LON:MDC), which holds a 29.9% interest in Spire, said it would vote in favour of the offer. With Mediclinic also reporting full year results which showed revenues down 3% and earnings down 21% but forecasting growth this year, its shares are up 6.29% at 327.8p.