Market Report: Taking Stock

Enviromed, the healthcare group, put on the day's best display, surging 53 per cent to 13p. A steady stream of small buy orders was responsible. The buyers believe corporate action will erupt above the price at which the board held negotiations. Share activity on Monday prompted the group to disclose it had held talks with something below 6p the indicated price.

Bond International Software made a bright debut, closing at 89.5p from a 65p placing by stockbroker Durlacher. The company supplies the recruitment, personnel and tourism markets. Profits are expected to be pounds 700,000.

Merrill Lynch expects the demerged Cordiant Communications to achieve profits of pounds 24.1m this year rising to pounds 40.1m in 1999. The shares gained 7p to 108.5p.