Lloyds Share News (LLOY)

Markets gave a positive reaction to first-quarter results from banking giant Lloyds, with the stock rising sharply after profits came in slightly ahead of consensus estimates and the company reduced its full-year cost guidance. Sector peer RBS was also in demand ahead of its interim management statement on Friday. Oil major BP was a high riser after replacement cost profits jumped from $4.8bn to $16.6bn in the first quarter, helped by proceeds from the disposal of its interest in the TNK-BP joint venture. Meanwhile, Anglo American was lower after UBS reduced its target price from 2,000p to 1,720p and retained a 'neutral' rating on the stock. Its subsidiary, Amplats, has agreed with the Department of Mineral Resources to extend their consultation on safety by 30 days to allow them more time to reach a conclusion. Sector peers Polymetal and Randgold were also lower as they tracked a decline in commodity prices. Centrica declined after Credit Suisse lowered its target price from 325p to 320p and downgraded the stock to 'underperform'. FTSE 100 - RisersRoyal Bank of Scotland Group (RBS) 306.20p +4.15%Lloyds Banking Group (LLOY) 54.75p +2.34%ARM Holdings (ARM) 999.50p +2.09%BP (BP.) 465.95p +2.01%Croda International (CRDA) 2,490.00p +1.67%Pearson (PSON) 1,165.00p +1.30%Petrofac Ltd. (PFC) 1,340.00p +0.75%Morrison (Wm) Supermarkets (MRW) 290.50p +0.73%Serco Group (SRP) 618.00p +0.57%Imperial Tobacco Group (IMT) 2,311.00p +0.52%FTSE 100 - FallersPolymetal International (POLY) 695.00p -6.02%Randgold Resources Ltd. (RRS) 5,075.00p -3.79%Anglo American (AAL) 1,555.50p -3.33%Smith & Nephew (SN.) 727.00p -3.07%Centrica (CNA) 368.40p -2.95%Whitbread (WTB) 2,534.00p -2.95%Standard Life (SL.) 374.30p -2.91%Wood Group (John) (WG.) 774.00p -2.89%Evraz (EVR) 154.00p -2.78%BHP Billiton (BLT) 1,782.50p -2.70%NR