FTSE 100 movers: Centrica boosted by directorate change, oil and gas stocks strong

Centrica shares were boosted as the company appointed Carlos Pascual as a new non-executive director, who is said to have extensive geopolitical, economic and commercial development experience in the energy industry.

“He brings a wealth of experience with his exceptionally strong international background in energy affairs. Carlos is a rich addition to the mix of the Centrica board,” said chairman Rick Haythornthwaite.

Oil and gas-related stocks were largely higher after Brent crude prices rose 1.3% to $60.86 a barrel. As a result, resource engineer Weir Group and oil producer Tullow Oil both made strong gains.

Pharmaceutical and healthcare stocks were leading the fallers as investors dumped defensive assets amid a continued pre-Christmas rally. Medical-device maker Smith & Nephew was among the worst performers, followed closely behind by pharma giants Astrazeneca and Shire.

Risers

Tullow Oil (TLW) 419.10p +2.97%

Morrison (Wm) Supermarkets (MRW) 180.50p +2.56%

CRH (CRH) 1,548.00p +2.38%

Weir Group (WEIR) 1,916.00p +2.24%

Tesco (TSCO) 184.95p +2.18%

Smiths Group (SMIN) 1,105.00p +2.13%

Centrica (CNA) 283.20p +2.13%

Sports Direct International (SPD) 710.50p +2.08%

Randgold Resources Ltd. (RRS) 4,236.00p +2.07%

ARM Holdings (ARM) 995.50p +2.05%

Fallers

Smith & Nephew (SN.) 1,082.00p -2.35%

AstraZeneca (AZN) 4,510.00p -2.02%

Shire Plc (SHP) 4,572.00p -1.97%

Reckitt Benckiser Group (RB.) 5,210.00p -1.88%

Taylor Wimpey (TW.) 134.40p -1.54%

Persimmon (PSN) 1,569.00p -1.51%

Barratt Developments (BDEV) 459.80p -1.31%

Aggreko (AGK) 1,523.00p -1.17%

BG Group (BG.) 878.90p -0.81%

Ashtead Group (AHT) 1,166.00p -0.77%