FTSE 100 movers: Ashtead boosted by United Rentals; easyJet flies lower

London's FTSE 100 was up 0.7% to 7,482.18 as investors digested the latest data on UK retail sales.

Equipment rental firm Ashtead was the standout gainer following strong results and market commentary from US peer United Rentals. Second-quarter earnings from United Rentals beat expectations and the company upgraded its full year revenue and operating profit guidance.

Commentary from management as the industry enters its busy season noted stronger volumes and "an improved rate trend" across the business.

Kingfisher and Next got a boost after data released earlier from the Office for National Statistic showed UK retail sales were rejuvenated by warm weather in June, though economists disagreed over whether this was a sign of a revitalised economy or a false dawn.

Retail sales volumes rose 0.9% in June, bouncing back from the 1.5% fall the prior month (revised down from its initial 1.1% estimate) and beating the consensus estimate of 0.5%.

Going the other way, budget airline Easyjet flew lower as it lifted its full-year profit forecast to a range of between £380m and £420m but said it expects revenue per seat to drop 2% in the six months to December. Peer International Consolidated Airlines Group also lost ground.

Medical products and technologies company ConvaTec was in the red after it agreed to acquire independent US-based national distributor of incontinence and catheter-related supplies Woodbury Holdings from MTS Health Investors, for an enterprise value of $120.5m, it announced on Thursday.

Anglo American was weaker despite lifting its iron guidance following strong results.

Risers

Ashtead Group (AHT) 1,702.00p 2.59%
Kingfisher (KGF) 304.50p 2.49%
Next (NXT) 3,757.00p 2.09%
Standard Chartered (STAN) 825.00p 1.84%
British American Tobacco (BATS) 5,373.00p 1.61%
Royal Dutch Shell 'B' (RDSB) 2,107.50p 1.57%
Provident Financial (PFG) 2,355.00p 1.55%
Royal Dutch Shell 'A' (RDSA) 2,092.50p 1.50%
United Utilities Group (UU.) 890.50p 1.42%
Direct Line Insurance Group (DLG) 370.30p 1.26%

Fallers

easyJet (EZJ) 1,340.00p -5.50%
International Consolidated Airlines Group SA (CDI) (IAG) 599.00p -3.23%
Convatec Group (CTEC) 307.60p -0.77%
Rio Tinto (RIO) 3,422.50p -0.70%
Taylor Wimpey (TW.) 185.00p -0.54%
Anglo American (AAL) 1,127.00p -0.53%
Barratt Developments (BDEV) 606.50p -0.49%
Shire Plc (SHP) 4,144.00p -0.46%
Schroders (SDR) 3,342.00p -0.45%
Sage Group (SGE) 687.00p -0.43%