John Fosters' share price has doubled this week - a remarkable outcome following its statement on April 1 that trading losses have continued throughout the last year, and 'the group remains dependant on the support of its bankers."

The good news is that overall group debts have been contained, and a further £1.4m may be achieved on the sale of its Galashiels property. The directors have also received an offer for the loss making textile business, and two new non-executive directors have been appointed.

FTSE 100 and the US Dow Jones Index have both moved to record levels recently. Such changes often take a little longer to influence share prices of smaller companies - if at all.

Provident Financial, which is on the reserve list for a coveted place in the FTSE 100 index, advanced further in line with the international trends. Recent solid results from Cattle have helped investor sentiment for the home collected credit business of both companies.

Peter Black reports results this week for the eight months to end January. The company is moving its year end in line with other major High Street suppliers, and has already indicated a pro-forma profit for the year to January of £21.7m, up 14 per cent on the figure for the previous 12 months.

As a major supplier to Marks & Spencer, any news of current trading will be of great interest. M & S are taking major steps to recover their pre eminent position in the High Street following key board changes and poor 1998 results.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.