London, England -- (SBWire) -- 04/25/2011 -- Spread betting provider City Index (http://www.cityindex.co.uk/) takes a look at the financial activity shaping the markets on 14th April 2011.

Group profits at WH Smith have risen by three per cent for the six months ended February 28th 2011 when compared to the same period in 2010.

Profit from trading operations rallied to £72 million, while profit before tax also enjoyed a three per cent hike to £64 million.

An 11 per cent surge was noted for earnings per share, which has risen to 35.2 p, although high-street operating profit remained flat at £47 million.

Following the report, the share prices of WH Smith rose on the FTSE 250 to 5.99 per cent as of 09:16 BST today (April 14th) compared to yesterday's close. Such an increase represents a 27-point gain.

Commenting on the financial figures, group chief executive Kate Swann stated: "During the first half we have returned £27 million to shareholders through the share buyback and increased the interim dividend by 18 per cent, demonstrating the board's confidence in the future prospects of the group and its continued cash generative nature."

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