Moneysupermarket.com sees better third quarter

Price comparison website Moneysupermarket.com reported its best performance of the year over the third quarter as trading levels stabilised.While revenues within the money section were down by 40% from the same period the previous year, they were up by 10% compared with the quarterly rate over the first half. Revenues from secured loans fell sharply due mainly to homeowner loans division First Plus closing for new business, but savings performed strongly as customers looked to maximise returns in a low interest environment.Unsecured lending, including credit card revenues, improved during the third quarter.Insurance revenues were about 5% ahead of the third quarter of 2008 and more than 15% ahead of the quarterly rate in the first half as more visitors clicked on the website.Travel and home services divisions saw sharp falls in revenues.The overall improving trend has continued into the fourth quarter, Moneysupermarket said.'Overall, we are pleased with the performance in the year to date which is in line with the board's expectations and remain confident that our sharp focus on delivery and the customer means that moneysupermarket.com is better placed than ever to capitalise on its strengths when growth returns to our markets,' said chief executive Peter Plumb.