LONDON (ShareCast) - Randgold Resources rose after it said net profit climbed for the half year due to higher production in its gold mines in Mali and the increase in gold prices.

Net profit for the six months to June rose to $38.4m from $19.6n despite the negative impact of the weakening dollar and rising input costs. Second quarter net profit was up 11% to $20.2m.

Rising oil and gas prices helped energy and environmental consultancy group RPS post strong rises in turnover and profits and hike its dividend by 15%. Profit before tax in the six months to June 30 rose by 32% to £28.5m from £21.6m over the same period a year ago, as revenue climbed 30% to £225.9m.

Newspaper publisher Trinity Mirror rose even after it reported lower sales during the first half and said advertising revenue had continued to tumble in July. Operating profits from the retained businesses dived 16% to £80.5m on revenues down to £460.8m from £467.7m last time. Sales from continuing operations dropped to £460.8m from £500.5m a year ago.

Electronics and technology firm Laird saw half year profits rise 37% but margins were lower due to currency effects. Operating margin in the period was 12%, compared with 13.8% in the first half of 2007. There were a number of factors but currency was a major issue, increasing the group’s cost base when expressed in sterling.

FTSE 250 - Risers
Randgold Resources (RRS) 2,546.00p +8.11%
Salamander Energy (SMDR) 286.00p +6.32%
Workspace Group (WKP) 129.50p +6.15%
Trinity Mirror (TNI) 87.25p +5.12%
RPS Group (RPS) 314.25p +4.75%
Cookson Group (CKSN) 635.50p +4.70%
Imperial Energy Corporation (IEC) 1,050.00p +4.37%
Talvivaara Mining Company (TALV) 298.75p +4.28%
JKX Oil & Gas (JKX) 390.25p +4.21%
Xchanging (XCH) 244.00p +4.16%

FTSE 250 - Fallers
Laird (LRD) 292.75p -13.13%
Telecity Group (TCY) 239.50p -11.30%
Mecom Group (MEC) 21.00p -6.67%
Barratt Developments (BDEV) 93.75p -6.25%
COLT Telecom Group S.A. (COLT) 128.25p -6.22%
Taylor Wimpey (TW.) 40.00p -5.88%
Yell Group (YELL) 73.25p -5.48%
Johnston Press (JPR) 47.25p -5.03%
Hikma Pharmaceuticals (HIK) 399.50p -4.88%
Persimmon (PSN) 296.75p -4.35%

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