Avast lifted as it maintains guidance and dividends

FTSE 250 anti-virus software business Avast (LON:AVST) saw its share price increase by 12.82% to 454p (as of 12:15 BST) as it said first-quarter trading was in line with expectations and retained prior full-year guidance. Management said that all worldwide offices had been closed but staff are equipped to work from home and the group’s services remain unaffected.

The company has retained its dividend recommendation and the board said that they were well capitalised and positioned under the current climate but were monitoring developments.