LONDON (ShareCast) - The automobiles and parts sector was the best performing category today, helped by a strong rise from heavyweight automotive and aerospace engineer GKN.

Shares in GKN were around 3.3% higher before the close on Friday, helped by some positive commentary from UBS.

The broker says that 2011 was a "turbulent year" due to the events in Japan, Gallatin and Thailand. "2012 passing without major incident would be a £50m profit boost, which in combination with pro-forma acquisition effects of £30m does not make the remaining £20m bridge in our numbers too heroic providing GKN sees some volume growth." UBS says that an improving economic outlook is bringing upside risk too.

The target price is lifted from 225p to 250p.

UBS maintains its buy rating on the stock, saying that the transition to a new Chief Executive Officer (Nigel Stein) and the potential for a review of margin targets and/or additional returns also provides a leg to the investment case.

Sector peer and sensor systems provider Transense Technologies was rising 7.3% after yesterday announcing that its subsidiary Translogik has received an order for its commercial truck tyre inspection kits from its value-added-reseller and development partner, EDP.

BC

Top performing sectors so far today
Automobiles & Parts 5,536.54 +3.72%
Industrial Metals & Mining 4,576.97 +2.89%
Real Estate Investment Trusts 1,904.68 +1.78%
Oil Equipment, Services & Distribution 25,908.54 +1.38%
Industrial Engineering 8,263.21 +1.09%

Bottom performing sectors so far today
Food Producers & Processors 5,491.17 -1.71%
Household Goods & Home Construction 6,974.23 -1.60%
Personal Goods 22,063.14 -0.84%
Mobile Telecommunications 3,991.09 -0.81%
Electricity 8,069.07 -0.62%

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