Persimmon, MJ Gleeson and BlueRock Diamonds

The FTSE100 opened in positive territory with investors looking to services purchasing-managers' data from the UK and the eurozone throughout the morning,” says AJ Bell Investment Director Russ Mould.

Persimmon led the blue-chip board in early trading after an excellent first half performance with the housing market seemingly immune to any uncertainty before, during or after the General Election. Group sales in May and June were healthy, leaving Persimmon's weekly private sales rate per site for the first half about 7% ahead of last year. Persimmon's average selling price increased by 3.5% to around £213,000 and consumer confidence remains resilient with compelling mortgage rates continuing to offer good support to new home buyers. Persimmon's shares were up by 3.8%.

Urban regeneration and strategic land specialist MJ Gleeson cheered investors with a bullish year-end trading update, The group expects results to be at the top end of market forecasts and its Gleeson Homes has begun the new financial year in its strongest ever position, with queues forming at site openings and reservations at record levels. Gleeson has achieved its target of building 1,000 homes per year and has now set a new target of doubling that number within five years. Gleeson’s shares were up by more than 6.6% in early trading.

BlueRock Diamonds sparkled in early trading following a significant increase in production levels at its Kareevlei mine in Northern Cape region of South Africa. Output is now approaching Kareevlei's monthly target of 25,000 tonnes and grades should improve as it begins to mine areas deeper within the pit. BlueRock Diamonds' shares were up by 8%.

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