TAKING STOCK

r Storehouse is bumping along near its year's low. The shares fell 6p to 281p in often brisk trading. Murmurs can be heard around the market that an unfavourable circular

is about to appear. But it is said to have been delayed because, it is rumoured, the company has taken exception to some of the comments.

r Shoprite, forced into a distressed sale of its once high-flying supermarket chain two years ago, is enjoying one of its periodic runs. The company now has property and retail interest in the Isle of Man.

Its shares have edged ahead and yesterday gained a further 1p to 19p. They had a spectacular burst in the summer, hitting 21.5p. The market believes there will eventually be a revamping deal with assets injected into the company.