Markets: BEST AND WORST PERFORMING SECTORS

The best performing sector last week was health care, which rose 3.1 per cent. London International Group, the condoms to surgical gloves maker, rose 12.5p on the week to 169.9p as the company delighted analysts with better than expected full-year results. LIG turned in profits 36 per cent higher at pounds 35.6m before exceptional items. Nick Hodges, its chief executive, also forecast double-digit earnings growth for the next few years. Smith & Nephew, the giant of the health-care sector, also rose strongly, up 7p to 177.75p on the week, as the shares drew more support following a recent "buy" recommendation from brokers Paribas.

THE WORST performing sector was insurance. The Prudential fell 10p on the week to 622.5p after further details emerged of its planned purchase of Scottish Amicable Life Assurance. Policyholders in the life company are to share in a pounds 600m pay-out if they vote to support the takeover. Copyright: IOS & Bloomberg