Intertek Group Share News (ITRK)

Stocks erased losses to push into positive territory by Thursday lunchtime despite some disappointing UK economic data, as investors continued to focus on newsflow from Greece.The FTSE 100 was up 0.18% at 7,045.78 by midday, having bounced off an earlier low of 7,005.88.Markets seemingly shrugged off the news that the UK economy expanded by just 0.3% in the first quarter, in line with the initial estimate but below the 0.4% growth expected by analysts and the 0.6% increase seen the preceding quarter.Nevertheless, comments by Greek officials helped to improve sentiment as the morning wore on after government spokesman Gabriel Sakellaridis said: "We are going into these negotiations with the aim to have a deal by Sunday."Hopes for an imminent deal between Athens and its creditors spurred stocks on Wednesday on reports that the government was drafting a technical-level agreement, though contrasting comments from other parties had tempered enthusiasm overnight.German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble said the talks "have not progressed much" and said he was "surprised" by Greece's claims that a deal was close. Meanwhile, International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde said that "there is still a lot of work to do".Sports Direct, Kingfisher and ARM riseHigh street sports retailer Sports Direct was a high riser after it lifted its guidance for annual profits due to "continued and prudent depreciation policy and lower interest charges".B&Q and Screwfix owner Kingfisher also impressed after making a "solid" start to the year under new French chief executive Véronique Laury, with like-for-like sales up 0.8% in the first quarter.Chip designer ARM Holdings was in demand as M&A activity continued across the sector after reports that Broadcom could be snapped up by Avago Technologies in a $35bn deal.Synergy Health extended losses as hopes over the proposed takeover by US outfit Steris Corp continued to fade on rumours that the FTC will move to block the deal.Shares in Tate & Lyle slid after the sweeteners and food ingredients group said that full-year pre-tax profit dropped 30% as it continues to restructure its business.Product testing group Intertek was trading in the red after Deutsche Bank downgraded its recommendation on the stock from 'buy' to 'hold'. "There is opportunity for new chief executive officer, André Lacroix, to improve growth, but this may take time," the bank said.Insurance group Direct Line was on the rise after JPMorgan Cazenove upgraded the stock from 'neutral' to 'overweight', saying the risk-reward balance has improved due to an anticipated improvement in UK motor pricing.Market MoverstechMARK 3,324.41 +0.05%FTSE 100 7,045.78 +0.18%FTSE 250 18,226.87 -0.06%FTSE 100 - RisersSports Direct International (SPD) 689.50p +4.71%Kingfisher (KGF) 378.90p +3.30%Dixons Carphone (DC.) 474.10p +2.11%TUI AG Reg Shs (DI) (TUI) 1,194.00p +1.79%International Consolidated Airlines Group SA (CDI) (IAG) 571.50p +1.69%ARM Holdings (ARM) 1,158.00p +1.67%InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) 2,812.00p +1.48%Reed Elsevier (REL) 1,114.00p +1.36%Direct Line Insurance Group (DLG) 335.30p +1.30%Experian (EXPN) 1,254.00p +1.21%FTSE 100 - FallersIntertek Group (ITRK) 2,537.00p -1.51%RSA Insurance Group (RSA) 429.80p -1.47%Smiths Group (SMIN) 1,202.00p -1.39%Marks & Spencer Group (MKS) 589.00p -1.26%BT Group (BT.A) 453.40p -1.22%easyJet (EZJ) 1,635.00p -1.15%Whitbread (WTB) 5,190.00p -1.05%Old Mutual (OML) 226.70p -1.00%Anglo American (AAL) 1,030.50p -0.96%Glencore (GLEN) 284.40p -0.82%FTSE 250 - RisersPayPoint (PAY) 946.00p +7.74%Premier Oil (PMO) 161.90p +3.92%Infinis Energy (INFI) 186.00p +3.91%Brewin Dolphin Holdings (BRW) 325.10p +3.17%Supergroup (SGP) 1,146.00p +3.06%Zoopla Property Group (WI) (ZPLA) 246.60p +2.75%Daejan Holdings (DJAN) 5,725.00p +2.69%Rank Group (RNK) 206.30p +2.13%Hunting (HTG) 609.00p +2.01%WH Smith (SMWH) 1,545.00p +1.91%FTSE 250 - FallersFidelity China Special Situations (FCSS) 167.30p -3.85%Evraz (EVR) 169.30p -3.59%Soco International (SIA) 184.20p -3.56%Amec Foster Wheeler (AMFW) 943.50p -3.48%Tate & Lyle (TATE) 580.00p -3.25%Synergy Health (SYR) 1,772.00p -2.74%Cable & Wireless Communications (CWC) 67.10p -2.47%Premier Farnell (PFL) 193.40p -2.22%ICAP (IAP) 554.00p -2.12%Vedanta Resources (VED) 598.00p -1.89%