FTSE 250 movers: Kier and Renishaw go ex-dividend

(Sharecast News) - London's FTSE 250 was 0.3% higher at 24,699.63 in afternoon trade on Thursday. Rank Group slumped after the Mecca Bingo and Grosvenor Casino owner said the rise in machine games duty announced in Wednesday's Budget will add around £9m in costs per year before mitigating actions.

Chancellor John Healey announced in his first Autumn Budget that from 1 April 2027, the MGD will increase to 25% from 20%. The news sent gambling stocks surging, as some had feared it would be doubled to 40%.

In a brief statement, Rank said duty costs for the current year will rise by around £2m.

"The group remains confident of delivering group LFL operating profit in line with expectations for the current year," it said.

Kier and Renishaw were both lower as they traded without entitlement to the dividend.

FTSE 250 - Risers

Hansa Investment Company Limited (DI) (HAN) 348.00p 4.19% Avon Technologies (AVON) 2,515.00p 3.71% Bridgepoint Group (Reg S) (BPT) 410.40p 3.53% RHI Magnesita N.V. (DI) (RHIM) 2,740.00p 2.82% Seraphim Space Investment Trust (SSIT) 187.00p 2.63% Trainline (TRN) 210.40p 2.53% Worldwide Healthcare Trust (WWH) 392.50p 2.35% Morgan Advanced Materials (MGAM) 265.50p 2.32% QinetiQ Group (QQ.) 539.00p 2.27% Bellway (BWY) 2,180.00p 2.16%

FTSE 250 - Fallers

Henderson Far East Income Ltd. (HFEL) 253.00p -3.98% Rightmove (RMV) 514.80p -3.49% Allianz Technology Trust (ATT) 704.00p -2.09% NCC Group (NCC) 169.80p -1.96% Kier Group (KIE) 310.80p -1.96% Schroder Asian Total Return Investment Company (ATR) 652.00p -1.95% Rank Group (RNK) 86.40p -1.93% Renishaw (RSW) 5,515.00p -1.88% Schroder Asia Pacific Fund (SDP) 774.00p -1.78% W.A.G Payment Solutions (EWG) 105.40p -1.68%