Mining price rise helps FTSE 100 holds position

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...