Sector movers: Persimmon cements housebuilder gains

25th Aug 2009 09:35

Housebuilders are going well after Persimmon reported a drop in first half profits but said selling prices have stabilised in most parts of mainland UK.Persimmon legally completed 4,006 units (H1 2008: 5,501) at an average selling price of £155,524 (H1 2008: £181,485). Total sales revenue for the period was £611.8m compared with £998.4m last year.Net reservations continue to run ahead of the comparative weeks of 2008, with current forward sales, including legal completions since 1 July, of around £910m (2008: £836m).The sector was lifted yesterday by Bovis, which said profits fell, but reported a rise in completions.Industrial transportation stocks are heading lower after shipping group James Fisher's rise in profits failed to impress the market.Group revenue from operations rose by 13.9% to £130m during the first half of 2009 and pre tax profit was £13.0m against £11m last year.Top performing sectors so far todayMobile Telecommunications 3,060.04 +1.83%Electronic & Electrical Equipment 1,390.62 +1.12%Household Goods 5,972.82 +0.83%Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology 8,324.57 +0.53%Food Producers & Processors 4,144.89 +0.48%Bottom performing sectors so far todayMining 16,568.44 -2.06%General Industrials 1,894.31 -1.93%Industrial Metals 4,707.14 -1.83%Industrial Transportation 1,984.45 -1.58%Real Estate 2,006.70 -1.27%