FTSE 250 movers: WH Smith gains after retail sales data

(Sharecast News) - The FTSE 250 was trading moderately higher on Friday, with little newsflow on the second-tier index prompting any major moves - though retailer WH Smith was being lifted by strong economic data.

WH Smith was among the best performers of the day after data from the Office for National Statistics revealed that UK retail sales jumped in the last quarter. Sales volumes rose by 0.5% - well ahead of forecasts for a 0.2% dip - following an upwardly revised 0.6% increase in August.

Danni Hewson, head of financial analysis at AJ Bell, said: "Interest rate cuts and above-inflation pay increases have meant many workers have had a bit more cash to play with, even if pressures on household budgets have remained high."

Precious metals miner Hochschild Mining was falling after the nine-week rally in the price of gold came to an abrupt end this week, with the commodity experiencing its biggest sell-off in five years as it retreats from a record high.

JD Wetherspoon was in the red after Peel Hunt reiterated a 'hold' rating', saying that despite an improving valuation outlook for the stock, the upcoming Budget could limit upside in the near term. Next month's Budget "offers too much uncertainty to buy the shares now", the broker said.

JTC edged lower after extending takeover talks with Permira Advisers and Warburg Pincus for the third time, as the fund solutions provider continues to to engage in discussions with the private equity firms.

Meanwhile, Energean rose on the news that its Israeli subsidiary has signed a transmission agreement with Israel Natural Gas Lines for capacity in the Nitzana pipeline, in line with its strategic focus on long-term value creation.

FTSE 250 - Risers

Marshalls (MSLH) 183.20p 3.97% Trustpilot Group (TRST) 214.60p 3.67% WH Smith (SMWH) 699.00p 3.56% Harbour Energy (HBR) 221.20p 2.88% International Workplace Group (IWG) 243.20p 2.53% 4Imprint Group (FOUR) 3,255.00p 1.88% Hays (HAS) 61.70p 1.82% GCP Infrastructure Investments Ltd (GCP) 75.00p 1.76% Edinburgh Worldwide Inv Trust (EWI) 204.50p 1.74% Volution Group (FAN) 684.00p 1.63%

FTSE 250 - Fallers

SDCL Efficiency Income Trust (SEIT) 60.20p -2.75% Genus (GNS) 2,495.00p -2.54% Hochschild Mining (HOC) 345.60p -2.32% C&C Group (CDI) (CCR) 137.80p -2.27% Rank Group (RNK) 124.80p -2.19% Telecom Plus (TEP) 1,832.00p -1.51% Raspberry PI Holdings (RPI) 366.60p -1.45% Domino's Pizza Group (DOM) 197.30p -1.45% Grainger (GRI) 194.20p -1.42% Close Brothers Group (CBG) 428.80p -1.29%