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Important information: The value of investments can go down as well as up so you may get back less than you invest. Investors should note that the views expressed may no longer be current and may have already been acted upon. This is a third-party news feed and may not reflect Fidelity’s views.

FTSE 100 movers: Defence firms rally; M&G goes ex-div

(Sharecast News) - London's FTSE 100 was up 0.6% at 9,284.68 in afternoon trade on Thursday. Defence firm BAE Systems, Babcock and Rolls-Royce were among the top performers.

Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said: "Ongoing geopolitical tensions have led investors to have confidence in the defence sector, believing earnings prospects are strong given a fragile backdrop. BAE Systems' share price has risen by 45% over the past 12 months and up 271% over five years."

Compass Group was also in the black as Deutsche Bank upgraded shares of the caterer to 'buy' from 'hold' as it took a look at the hotel and leisure sector.

It lifted its price target on Compass - its top pick along with Premier Inn owner Whitbread - to 2,900 from 2,700p.

On the downside, M&G slumped as it traded without entitlement to the dividend.

Ashtead also lost ground as Jefferies downgraded the shares to 'hold' from 'buy'.

"Ashtead's shares have rallied strongly and re-rated on improving US construction outlook sentiment, but near-term earnings momentum we think remains muted," Jefferies said.

FTSE 100 - Risers

BAE Systems (BA.) 1,916.00p 4.59% Compass Group (CPG) 2,597.00p 2.24% Airtel Africa (AAF) 229.00p 1.87% ICG (ICG) 2,238.00p 1.63% Diploma (DPLM) 5,525.00p 1.56% Rolls-Royce Holdings (RR.) 1,115.50p 1.46% BT Group (BT.A) 204.50p 1.39% Fresnillo (FRES) 2,202.00p 1.29% Babcock International Group (BAB) 1,114.00p 1.27% easyJet (EZJ) 466.70p 1.21%

FTSE 100 - Fallers

M&G (MNG) 251.30p -2.56% Experian (EXPN) 3,827.00p -1.75% Kingfisher (KGF) 242.90p -1.18% SEGRO (SGRO) 612.20p -1.16% Ashtead Group (AHT) 5,372.00p -0.89% Entain (ENT) 869.20p -0.73% Rightmove (RMV) 724.60p -0.71% Anglo American (AAL) 2,513.00p -0.71% Auto Trader Group (AUTO) 782.60p -0.71% InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) 8,976.00p -0.62%

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Important information: This information is not a personal recommendation for any particular investment. If you are unsure about the suitability of an investment you should speak to one of Fidelity’s advisers or an authorised financial adviser of your choice. When you are thinking about investing in shares, it’s generally a good idea to consider holding them alongside other investments in a diversified portfolio of assets. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.

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