The FTSE Small Cap index climbs 0.2 percent,outperforming other indexes, with the FTSE AIM All Share index off 0.2 percent and the midcaps trading flat.
AIM-listed Eden Research leaps almost 43 percentto a level not seen since Dec. 2012 after the agrochemical andencapsulation development company gains European Union approvalfor the active substances used in its lead product 3AEY.
Eden Research sees powerful trading volume, at more than 15times its 90-day daily average, against the AIM index on 78percent.
"This is excellent news for Eden, triggering immediate salesinto the Kenyan market and enabling 3AEY to move into productregistration for the EU market," WH Ireland says in a note,reiterating its "speculative buy" rating on the stock.
E2V Technologies firms 3 percent, among the toprisers on the FTSE Small Cap index, after the electroniccomponent maker indicates in its full-year results statementthat its performance for the year was in line with expectations.
Investec Securities lifts its target price for e2v, to 210pence from 200 pence, saying the firm, like many sector peers,is well positioned financially and in good shape operationallydespite the near universally cautious outlooks adopted.
"We do not expect conditions to improve much in eitherindustrial or government-funded end markets this year, but we dobelieve that e2v should grow faster than its underlyingmarkets..." Investec says.
Reuters messagingrm://tricia.wright1.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net
