FTSE ignited by BOC

Strategists say the FTSE 100 looks set to challenge four and a half year highs reached earlier this month, with sustained mergers and acquisitions activity, steady UK interest rates and relatively cheap valuations providing support. Chilean copper miner Antofagasta led the FTSE leaderboard, rising 7.15% to 2,052p after it reported production between October and December in line with forecasts. Earlier, the stock hit an all-time high of 2,071p. Signs China's rapidly expanding economy was growing faster than expected and copper prices trading at record highs lent support to Antofagasta's ...