UK's Great Portland Estates gains after strong first-half leasing demand
** Shares of property investment and development firm Great Portland Estates GPEG.L up 4% at 322.6 pence
** Co signed 40 new leases and renewals in first half, generating £19 million ($25.20 million) of annual rent at 4.1% above estimated rental values
** Stock up 1.2% YTD
($1 = £0.7540)