FTSE 100 Rises as Mining Stocks Fresnillo and Antofagasta Gain

The FTSE 100 moved higher on Tuesday morning, rising 0.3% after Monday’s around 0.2% decline. The FTSE 250 has climbed 1%, while the DAX has advanced 1% and the CAC 40 has added 0.7%.

Investor sentiment has been supported by optimism that renewed diplomatic efforts could help bring an end to the ongoing Middle East conflict, offering some relief to global markets.

Mining stocks are leading the gains as precious metals prices rise, with both gold and silver moving higher. Fresnillo has climbed 3.2% and Antofagasta has gained 3.3%, while Metlen Energy & Metals is up 3%.

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Intertek is currently the standout performer on the index, surging 11.7% after announcing a strategic review to assess the potential separation of its Energy & Infrastructure division from its core Testing & Assurance operations.

The company said the review would evaluate whether the two businesses could perform better as independent entities.

On the downside, Imperial Brands is so far the biggest faller, dropping 7.8% despite reaffirming its full-year guidance and highlighting a positive start to its 2030 transformation strategy.

British American Tobacco has declined 3.7%, while BAE Systems has slipped 1.1%.

Elsewhere, BP said it expects an “exceptional” oil trading performance in the first quarter, driven by higher crude prices amid the Iran conflict.

Glencore shares are trading 1.8% higher after an upgrade to Buy from HSBC, with a new price target of 620p, up from 510p per share.