FTSE 250 movers: Just Group climbs, Woodford slips

London's FTSE 250 was 0.28% higher at 19,285.39 in afternoon trading on Monday, as Just Group led the index higher.

The retirement services provider climbed after non-executive director Ian Cormack purchased 100,000 shares in the company at a price of 46.33 pence each, worth £46,328.

Kier Group followed close behind as it continued to recover from a tumble at the beginning of last week when the troubled construction firm saw 40% wiped off its share price after issuing a profit warning.

At the other end of the pitch, Woodford Patient Capital Trust, the listed fund run by Neil Woodford, topped the fallers, despite Woodford having reassured investors that the suspension of his flagship equity fund had not affected its "operational performance".

"The board wishes to emphasise the long-term approach of the company and will continue to keep shareholders updated as necessary," added the company in a statement.

FirstGroup dropped as analysts at HSBC cut their recommendation on the stock to 'reduce', while Drax Group was lower after the company's power plant workers at its North Yorkshire site threatened to go on strike at the end of last week following a pay dispute.

Finally, stock in precious metals miner Hochschild Mining drifted lower following a drop in gold prices, which slipped after Washington decided to delay the imposition of tariffs on Mexican imports, among other global trade developments.

Market Movers

FTSE 250 (MCX) 19,285.39 0.28%

FTSE 250 - Risers

Just Group (JUST) 49.94p 7.44%
Kier Group (KIE) 162.80p 4.50%
Contour Global (GLO) 210.00p 3.96%
Ted Baker (TED) 1,349.00p 3.85%
Kaz Minerals (KAZ) 537.80p 3.42%
Royal Mail (RMG) 201.50p 2.86%
TBC Bank Group (TBCG) 1,626.00p 2.78%
Bank of Georgia Group (BGEO) 1,641.00p 2.37%
Intu Properties (INTU) 88.62p 2.33%
Amigo Holdings (AMGO) 264.00p 2.33%

FTSE 250 - Fallers

Woodford Patient Capital Trust (WPCT) 59.10p -5.89%
Galliford Try (GFRD) 655.00p -3.25%
Bakkavor Group (BAKK) 119.00p -2.14%
FirstGroup (FGP) 103.20p -2.09%
Rathbone Brothers (RAT) 2,087.50p -1.76%
Energean Oil & Gas (ENOG) 805.00p -1.71%
Drax Group (DRX) 297.40p -1.65%
Hochschild Mining (HOC) 167.30p -1.65%
Sophos Group (SOPH) 394.60p -1.55%
Card Factory (CARD) 190.70p -1.50%