Aviva boosts Footsie

The FTSE 100 Index is ahead 30.5 at 3809.1 after Aviva reported a marginal increase in new business and hauled up life assurance stocks.

The former CGNU group's shares are up 18p to 433p - 4% - and the gains are being matched by others in the sector.

Prudential is up 15.25p at 400.25p, Royal & Sun Alliance has moved up 4p at 118.25p and Friends Provident is ahead 3.25p to 105.25p.

Vodafone is edging ahead, up 3p to 120.75p, and mmO2 is 0.75p higher at 48.5p.

Banking issues are also recovering with the insurers after a sell-off yesterday.