The FTSE 100 is up 26 points, or 0.47%, to 5,573.9, as mining stocks are tracking gains in Australia and BAE Systems is gaining on hopes for a Saudi Arabian aircraft deal.
BAE systems is up 11.5p, or 3.31%, to 359.25p, after reports Saudi Arabia's defence minister said a deal with Britain for military aircraft should be sealed soon. Among mining stocks, Rio Tinto is up 41p, or 1.6%, to 2,605p, while Antofagasta has gained 29p, or 1.6%, to 1,836p. BHP Billiton has advanced 16.5p, or 1.82%, to 922.5p, with BG Group also up 8.5p, or 1.51%, to 572.5p. Elsewhere, catering group Compass is down 3.75p, or 1.71%, to 216p, as dealers said about 30 million of its shares were being placed by Citigroup. Reinsurance broker Benfield has gained 0.92% to 355.5p, on spe...
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