Updates from SSE, London Metric and Aveva

Friday saw a 36-point climb for the FTSE 100 to 6,832.8. Associated British Foods was the biggest riser, up 3.1% to 3080p while Scholl and Strepsils maker Reckitt Benckiser enjoyed a 2.9% surge. However it was miners and oil that took the bruises: Glencore sank 5.8% to 249.40p while Antofagasta saw a 4.8% drop. Tullow Oil was down 4.3% to 371.30p.

The Dow Jones ended 141 points down at 17,672.6. Meanwhile the euro has fallen markedly on the Greek Syriza party victory, down, at one point, as low as $1.10 against the dollar.

The big FTSE 100 trading news this morning is utility player SSE. Third quarter numbers confirms SSE expects to report an increase in the full-year dividend for 2014/15 that will at least be equal to RPI inflation.

It's targeting an increase in the full-year dividend for 2015/16 of at least RPI inflation. More meaningful for many, SSE says it's snipping household gas prices by 4.1% on 30 April and will extend its household gas and electricity price guarantee to July 2016.

"This price cut will save a typical household customer £28 per year," claims SSE. It adds that the average annual standard gas bill will be 7% lower than it was in March 2014.

Onto, next, a third quarter update from property player London Metric. Its investment portfolio, it claims, is now substantially repositioned with 90% concentrated in core sectors of retailer led distribution and out of town retail.

The company recently picked up the 410,000 square foot Eddie Stobart Dagenham distribution facility for £56.5m from Meaalofa Developments with a net 5.1% net initial yield.

"We believe," it says, "that the market remains rational which is supported by long income streams, a low interest rate environment, strengthening consumer demand and the distinct lack of new developments over the last seven years."

Lastly, software engineering company Aveva. It says it's experiencing increased uncertainty and reduced visibility in the Oil & Gas market, which drives 45% of its revenues. This has been exaggerated by the sharp decline in oil price.

Performance in Engineering & Design Systems in the last quarter it says was broadly in line with expectations. The Group claims a strong balance sheet and closed with net cash of £120 million at 31 December 2014.

"For the Group as a whole," it says, "the final quarter remains the most significant with a number of key rental renewals. At this point we expect these to renew in line with our historical experience."

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