Beyond the Footsie: Thursday close

ANOTHER day of generally positive corporate news kept the FTSE SmallCap index in positive territory. It closed up 1.8 points at 2600.7.

Fibernet Group rose 4p to 122 1/2p after the high-speed data networks group, which issued a profits warning in January, gave an encouraging trading report.

'While 6 weeks of positive trading does not represent a trend, the signs are that Fibernet has recovered from the disappointments of the first half,' said house broker Deutsche Bank.

Data storage firm Plasmon gained 10p to 80 1/2p after winning a storage deal with Siemens Medical.

AIM Group was up 22 1/2p at 165p on news it has received a very preliminary expression of interest that may lead to an offer being made for the company.

Advanced Medical Solutions said it has concluded two major new deals relating to its technology for advanced woundcare. The shares rose 3/4p to 9p.

Pace Micro closed 8 3/4p higher at 90p after director share buying.