Miners raise FTSE and Nikkei recovers

Rio Tinto has risen 2.44% to 2,855p after its price estimate was raised by brokerages. UBS AG has raised its price estimate for Rio 12% to 3,350p, while Merrill Lynch has lifted Rio's price target 18% on expectations of a cash return to investors and higher iron ore prices. BHP Billiton has also risen 2.73% to 1,014.50p as copper prices hit fresh record highs, while Antofagasta has added 2.30% to 1,910p. Shire has gained 3.94% to 844p after saying it was in talks to settle a legal dispute over a rival's plan to make a cheap version of its top-selling drug. Its shares have been raised ...