After an early afternoon lull, the FTSE 100 has ended up 45.7 points, or 0.88%, to 5227.80 at its close, with oil and mining stocks topping the risers.
Anglo American led the way jumping 95p, or 6.08%, to 1658p, after the mining giant said it would return $1bn to investors via a share buy-back or special dividend during the course of 2006. The company also announced plans to simplify its structure, possibly divesting paper packaging unit Mondi, and continue with its ongoing $5bn capital spending programme. BHP Billiton was another winner as it gained 30.5p, or 3.79%, to 835p, ahead of tomorrow’s production report, but Chilean miner Antofagasta slipped 0.55% to 1459p, after it reported third quarter copper production was up 6.9% at 116,0...
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