StockMarketWire.com - The FTSE 100 was down 0.2% to 7,180.45 by midday as the pound rose amid hopes a series of indicative votes from MPs will push the UK towards a softer Brexit.
In corporate news Debenhams jumped 52% after Sports Direct said it had proposed a takeover bid worth £61.4m for the ailing department store chain. Sports Direct rose 0.4%.
LARGE AND MID CAP RISERS AND FALLERS
Tobacco company Imperial Brands slipped 0.9%, despite forecasting annual revenue at the upper end of its guidance range.
Bellway Homes added 2.5% after it reported an 8.7% rise in first-half profit, buoyed by higher home completions and selling prices.
AstraZeneca fell 0.7%, even as Japanese regulators approved its oral treatment for type-one diabetes.
RDI REIT rallied 11% on confirming media speculation that it had received an unsolicited takeover approach from Cromwell Property Group.
Food packing business Hilton Food surrendered earlier gains to trade down 0.2% to 938p as the acquisition in 2017 of seafood distributor Seachill helped boost its annual profit 27%.
Heat resistant materials supplier RHI Magnesita slipped 0.2% after it swung to a full-year profit, as volume growth and pricing gains propelled sales.
SMALL CAP RISERS AND FALLERS
Advertising group M&C Saatchi posted a 16% rise in annual profit as it won new projects from clients including Reebok, eBay and Tourism Australia. Its shares, however, fell 3.6%.
OptiBiotix Health gained 1.9% on revealing that it had entered into a three-year distribution agreement with Silv Expo for Russia and Kazakhstan.
Story provided by StockMarketWire.com
Shares Magazine

Shares is the leading weekly publication for retail investors. It is packed with investment ideas, news and educational material to help build and run portfolios and get more from your money.
Investor Events

Shares puts on free Investor Events throughout the year across the country. They provide an opportunity for investors to learn more about companies on the stock market and hear from a range of investment experts including fund managers and Shares journalists.