Friday's results from Bradford & Bingley met expectations, in line with the rest of the banking sector.

They gave no update on the sale of non-core businesses apart from to say that they were in talks with interested parties and that the sales should be completed by the end of the year.

The comments on the housing market reflected what has been seen by many of the housebuilders - that prices are beginning to slow, although there are no signs of an impending crash.

The shares in the banking sector were moving around on Friday, but more due to talk in the markets of a possible bid for Barclays, than any reaction to the results.

The bid rumours also pushed up the price of Abbey, as the potential suitor was thought to be Citigroup who have been touted as another possible bidder for the company.

So far, however, only HBOS have confirmed that they may make a counterbid and all eyes are now on the big four in the UK.

Whilst the share price remains above the current offer on the table from the Spanish Banco Santander, it is very tempting to take some profits, as a long drawn out bid battle may destroy some value in the company.

However, the battle is by no means over yet and I would maintain some exposure to the company and await developments.

Shares in Filtronic fell up to 20 per cent on the announcement of their results last Monday.

Although they were in line with revised expectations, the announcement of an overall loss, and the breach of a banking covenant worried the market.

The banks have confirmed that they will continue to support the company, but John Roulston, the new chief executive who is to take up his position on the September 6, has a tough job ahead of him.

Since the announcement the shares have regained many of their losses, but I would still avoid them until the new chief executive has had chance to make his mark.

Europasia Education, the AIM listed education group, has announced that it has completed the purchase of a language school in Bournemouth.

James Holmes, the chief executive, believes that the acquisition "strengthens and expands the core business" and will strengthen margins as business from an existing investment, Management International, is switched to the Bournemouth Educational Centre.

The share price was largely unaffected by the news and they remain a risky proposition.

Finally, Real Affinity, the branding and marketing consultancy, has seen a 23 per cent fall in turnover following a slowdown in repeat business from a large client and a continued shift away from low margin media work.

Whilst trading conditions remain competitive, sales are expected to pick up in 2005 and the company intends to focus on organic growth going forward.