Sector movers: Pru profit rise lifts insurers

Life insurance is one of the best performing sectors as investors flock to Prudential after it said its half-year results show continued "strong performance" in what are still challenging market conditions.Shares in the Pru are up nearly 40% over the last month but after the release of strong results on Thursday morning Panmure Gordon believes the shares are still worth buying.Peers Old Mutual and Aviva are also going well.Oil companies Salamander and Pantheon are boosted by project updates but the sector is lower overall. Top performing sectors so far todayAutomobiles & Parts 2,688.78 +4.93%Industrial Metals 4,746.90 +4.58%Life Insurance 3,402.54 +3.92%Oil Equipment Services & Distribution 14,171.64 +3.92%Mining 16,093.84 +3.90%Bottom performing sectors so far todayFixed Line Telecommunications 1,904.99 -1.36%Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology 8,156.23 -0.62%Oil & Gas Producers 7,032.73 -0.45%Gas, Water & Multiutilities 3,484.64 -0.35%Beverages 6,606.05 -0.31%