Full year earnings for Pearson will be toward the top of analysts’ forecast range, the educational publisher said, pointing to a strengthening dollar and audience growth at the Financial Times in the first nine months of 2008.

“We’re naturally cautious about the global economic conditions but we have good trading momentum, innovative products, resilient businesses and a strong balance sheet,” Marjorie Scardino, chief executive, said. “With those advantages, we believe we are in good shape to prosper and strengthen our company, even through these turbulent times.” Analysts had forecast full year adjusted earnings per share of 46p to 52p, compared with 46.7p for 2007. Financial market turmoil and the US economy had caused questions on the resilience of US states’ education budgets and of businesses serving the financial sector.