Sector movers: Upbeat Alterian lifts software

Investors breathed a sigh of relief after marketing software firm Alterian said it expects full year results to be in line with expectations, helping lift the software & computer services sector higher."Following contract slippage in the third quarter, the business has performed in line with expectations during the fourth quarter," said Alterian's chief executive officer David Eldridge.Elsewhere in the sector, property and insurance software firm Innovation has had its software contract with one of the world's largest vehicle management groups extended by three years, but the shares are flat.The household goods & home construction sector is lower even as shares in Walker Greenbank advance.The luxury interior furnishings group revealed a decline in annual pre-tax profit but said it was encouraged by revenue momentum going into the second half.Ceramic tableware maker Churchill China is the heaviest faller in the sector.Top performing sectors so far todayFixed Line Telecommunications 1,923.43 +3.33%Industrial Metals & Mining 7,171.65 +3.08%Software & Computer Services 686.01 +1.46%Mining 24,730.27 +1.34%Personal Goods 12,340.57 +1.29%Bottom performing sectors so far todayHousehold Goods & Home Construction 6,860.15 -0.48%Alternative Energy 6,298.03 -0.42%Travel & Leisure 4,822.85 -0.41%Industrial Transportation 2,444.97 -0.15%Chemicals 5,261.76 -0.07%