London pre-open: Stocks to start the week higher

23rd Jan 2012 07:22

City sources predict the FTSE 100 will open up 10 points from Friday's close of 5,728, following on from the US where stocks ended last week at the day's high on optimism of a possible Greek agreement. Oilfield support services provider Hunting said results for 2011 are set to be above market expectations after a strong finish to the year. Trading since the release of the company's interim management statement on 17 November 2011 has been better than management had expected, especially within the North American manufacturing and connections business units, where demand continues to show strong momentum, while the Asia Pacific operations have also traded well.Housebuilding and construction firm Galliford Try has been awarded three infrastructure projects worth a total of £40m, the firm said on Monday. These projects are: a £17m contract for Scottish Water; a £15m project for Yorkshire Water, and a £8m contract for Reading Borough Council. "We are delighted to secure further projects for two of our long standing framework clients in the water industry and to play a key role in a significant rail infrastructure contract for a new client," said Chief Executive Greg Fitzegerald. Support services provider Carillion has been appointed preferred bidder for Academy Schools worth over £100m through the Partnerships for Schools Contractors framework.