STOCKS NEWS EUROPE-UK small caps close up 0.9 percent

The FTSE Small Cap index .FTSC closes 0.9 percent higher, outperforming the midcaps .FTMC, which end 0.2 percent firmer, and the blue chips .FTSE, which close down 0.7 percent.

Umeco (UMC.L) grabs the top spot on the FTSE Small Cap leaderboard, ending the session over 23 percent stronger, after the aerospace parts manufacturer posts a 32 percent rise in full-year profit, reduces debt and says its order book is solid, prompting a KBC Peel Hunt upgrade to "hold" from "sell". [ID:nL2191114]

On the downside, St Ives (SIV.L) closes nearly 21 percent lower after the contract publisher issues a full-year profit warning, prompting RBS to cut its rating to "hold" from "add" and place its 55 pence price target under review. [ID:nL2485937]

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