Shares in Sophos have tumbled after the cybersecurity firm warned that "subdued" trading would drag into the fourth quarter.

The company said in a stock market update that it experienced a decline in hardware orders in the third quarter to December 31, adding that the final three months of the year would see a similar trend.

FTSE 250-listed Sophos said the lacklustre figures were dragged down by challenging comparatives last year and warned that constant-currency billings for the full year would see a "modest decline".

Shares tumbled more than 25 per cent in morning trade to 282p following the update.

Boss Kris Hagerman said: "Sophos remains strongly positioned from a technology, product, and strategic perspective. We are confident in our strengthening product platform and how it positions us for the future."

The Herald:

Consumer sentiment in the US deteriorated in January, according to new report released by the University of Michigan.

Preliminary data showed the consumer sentiment index plummet to 90.7 in January from the final December reading of 98.3.

Economists had expected the index to dip to 97.0.

With the much steeper than expected drop, the consumer sentiment index tumbled to its lowest level since hitting 87.2 in October of 2016.

The Herald: Housebuilder Taylor Wimpey aims to set tougher targets as the market improves

Also today, construction company Henry Boot's real-estate said activities performed in line with expectations last year, despite Brexit uncertainty and booking a one off charge related to a pension ruling.

The Sheffield-based firm said that it met expectations despite trading conditions becoming more challenging during 2018, as negotiations around Britain's departure from the European Union increased uncertainty within the UK property market.

However, the company noted that its property development business was affected by Brexit woes, as prospective projects were held back by client uncertainty or planning delays.

Full-year results are expected to be published on March 22.