RAMSEY CROOKALL & CO

EVENING REPORT

12 AUGUST 2010

London’s blue chips closed higher as good results from the Pru overshadowed weak miners and a slow start on Wall Street. Asia was one of the driving forces behind Prudential’s big increase in first half profits and the insurer is confident the momentum will be sustained during the rest of the year. British gas owner Centrica is to acquire some natural gas assets in Alberta, Canada. Direct Energy, a North American subsidiary of Centrica, is paying C$375 million in cash to Suncor Energy for the assets in the Wildcat Hills region of Alberta. Shares in De la Rue dropped sharply on news that James Hussey resigned as chief executive and has left the banknote printer. Shaftesbury, the real estate investment trust focused on properties in London’s theatre district, said trading conditions remain buoyant with healthy demand for retail, restaurant, leisure and residential accommodation seen across its Villages. Online betting firm Sportingbet said it continued to perform in line with expectations throughout the final quarter and is on track to meet full year forecasts. The shares are up 1p at 60 1/4p.

THE FTSE CLOSED UP 20 @ 5266

THE DOW JONES AT 4.30 IS DOWN 45 @ 10,333

THE NASDAQ COMP AT 4.30 IS DOWN 17 @ 2191

Exchange Rates

GBP – USD 1. 558

GBP – EUR 1. 2117