RAMSEY CROOKALL & CO MARKET REPORT MORNING

24 May 2010

Shares in London have made a bright start recovering from last week’s losses.

Prudential is the best performer on reports that US firm AIG has drawn up plans to float its Asian arm again if the Pru’s attempts to buy it collapse.

Miners are higher after Friday’s US market rally.

British Airways is up 2p even though cabin crew started their strike today despite last ditch attempts to get it averted.

Invensys grew full year profit, though not by as much as analysts would have liked, but the firm still remains positive about the outlook based on its large order book and view of economic conditions.

Profits fell by 25% at bid target Chloride last year, as recession hit its markets in Europe and the US. The shares are up 2p at 283p.

Cranswick delivered a 26% surge in annual pre tax profit. Revenues were up 22% to ?740. The company said it is encouraged by the positive start made in the current financial year.

AG Barr, the Scottish soft drinks maker best known for Irn Bru, said sales have continued frothing over in the new financial year.



World Markets

THE FTSE 100 AT 10.00 IS UP 6 @ 5069

THE DOW JONES CLOSED UP 125 @ 10,193

THE NASDAQ AT 4.30 WAS UP 22 @ 1822



Exchange Rates

GBP – USD 1.443

GBP – EUR 1.160