A disappointing start to big tech earnings in the US seems to be setting the pace for equity markets across much of the globe. The underlying sentiment did little to cheer the AIM All Share either which closed down just over three points at 776.9
- Braveheart Investment Group +31%
- Chaarat Gold +31%
- Shield Therapeutics +29%
- Aptamer Group -55%
- Nexteq -35%
Braveheart Investment Group LON:BRH topped the board, up 31% after publishing an update on two of its portfolio holdings. Volumes were notably elevated with a few lumpy orders going through although the spread was pushed out to 10%, with a lack of liquidity presumably the challenge here.
Chaarat Gold LON:CGH added 31% on the day. The company is currently in the process of delisting and these abnormal price movements off thin volumes are typical as investors decide whether they are in or out of the transfer
Shield Therapeutics LON:STX was 29% higher after publishing a trading update and advising that the CEO would be stepping down with immediate effect. The fact that sales of its ACCRUFeR therapy had jumped 69% in Q2 combined with a robust price increase appear to be winning out over the potential downside of a swift management change.
Aptamer Group LON:APTA share price was 55% down on the day after the company announced it would undertake a funding round with shares offered at a discount of 64%. A slower than expected sales pipe has created a cash squeeze with the funds being used to maximise the potential of the company’s binder technology across the life sciences industry.
Nexteq [LON:NXQ] was in second to last place, down 35%. A trading update noted softer customer demand persisting with full year revenues now being forecast to come in 15%-20% down on previous expectations. Investors have however been less convinced by the strong growth in margins and healthy cash balance, although news that a number of directors also want to step down will be adding to concerns.