Strong gains for the AIM All Share were reported today, with hopes of de-escalation in the Middle East serving to buoy sentiment. The junior index added seven points, marginally outperforming other European benchmarks to close at 717.12.

• RC Fornax +24%
• BRCK +24%
• Aura Energy +11%
• Ironveld -43%
• Plexus -38%

RC Fornax [LON:RCFX] added 24% on the day to top the board, with gains coming off the back of a well received trading update. New. Orders have given improved visibility of the full year performance, with the company’s flexible delivery model also seen as appealing in the current climate.

• RC Fornax: Record order intake signals momentum to shareholders

BRCK [LON:BRCK] was just under 24% higher on the day following notification of bid interest. However a second filing late afternoon may raise some questions. The share price hasn’t been disturbed though, and remains around 30% below the bid price should DD be completed and the offer progress.

Aura Energy [LON:AURA] gets the notable mention, up 11% on the day. That coincides with news that the company Chairman had increased his stake in the business. Volumes have however been unremarkable and the gain is barely above the spread.

Ironveld [LON:IRON] was 43% down on the day. This morning the company published delayed results, enabling the stock to be relisted after a three month suspension. There was a further note to advise that up to £1m was being raised at a heavy discount to fund working capital and business development needs.

Plexus [LON:POS] was in second to last place, down 38%. That’s off the back of both a trading update and interim results, which showed sales markedly lower and losses up, whilst project delays mean the forward-looking picture will also look challenging. Perhaps more critically however management note that they can economise to avoid the need for further funding as they navigate the current situation.

The round up is taking a couple of extra days off over the long Easter weekend, but we’ll be back on Tuesday 7th April as usual.

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