Sector movers: Shell lifts oil sector

28th Apr 2010 13:31

Well-received results from the oil giant Shell have given the sector a lift.The recovery in the oil price helped the company post a forecast-beating rise in earnings in the first quarter of 2010.Earnings jumped to $4.9m on a current cost of supplies (CCS) basis, from $3.3bn over the same period the previous year. This was well ahead of expectations of about $4.2bn. The company announced a first quarter dividend of $0.42, as expected.BP, which reported results yesterday, and BG Group, due to release numbers tomorrow, are also higher.Informa is dragging on the media sector. The business publisher said trading has been in line with expectations since March, though it has seen mixed performances across its divisions.Top performing sectors so far todayOil & Gas Producers 8,642.49 +2.82%Industrial Transportation 2,443.31 +0.94%Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology 8,615.20 +0.80%Electronic & Electrical Equipment 1,956.20 +0.61%Mining 22,860.40 +0.39%Bottom performing sectors so far todayMedia 3,779.80 -2.13%Food & Drug Retailers 4,926.93 -2.06%Construction & Materials 3,629.31 -2.01%Alternative Energy 6,730.77 -1.84%Gas, Water & Multiutilities 4,215.43 -1.84%