Mining stocks made the best gains of the day but losses for ITV and Woolworths among others dragged the FTSE 100 back to close just above flat.
The FTSE 100 index climbed just 1.9 points or less than 0.1% to close at 4733 but it was aided by a rise in the copper price which lifted mining stocks, while the FTSE All-Share index gained 1.96 points or 0.1% to 2369.64. BHP Billiton, the world's largest mining company, rose 5p or 0.8% to 598.5p because stockpiles of copper are now standing at a 14-year low and therefore raises the price of the metal. Rivals Anglo American rose 1.7% to £12.08 and Rio Tinto added 1% to £14.85, while Xstrata rose 18p or 2% to 930p. A parliamentary committee report also proposed pub chains should fo...
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