LONDON (ShareCast) - Stocks in the oil sector were the best performers on Thursday as crude prices rebounded from a seven-month low.

Before the close in London, Brent futures were up $0.93 at $106.55 on the InterContinental Exchange as the P5+1 group of world powers – China, France, Germany, Russia, UK and US – continued to argue with Iran over its nuclear programme.

Oil and gas E&P peers BP and BG Group were among the best performers, both gaining around 3%; oil services firm Amec was also wanted.

Royal Dutch Shell was on the up after extending the offer deadline for AIM-listed Cove Energy after its previously recommended offer was trumped by Thai firm PTT Exploration and Production (PTTEP) on Wednesday.

Top performing sectors so far today
Oil Equipment, Services & Distribution 23,458.50 +3.03%
Oil & Gas Producers 7,631.06 +2.92%
Life Insurance 3,867.42 +2.70%
Banks 3,451.91 +2.45%
Industrial Transportation 2,267.13 +1.95%

Bottom performing sectors so far today
Industrial Metals & Mining 3,082.53 -0.49%
Automobiles & Parts 4,288.01 -0.38%
Personal Goods 21,079.06 -0.14%

BC

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