FTSE follows Asia's lead

Mining companies are up on hopes higher expenditure by companies in Asia will result in firmer commodities prices. Xstrata, the coal miner, is up 843.5p. Antofagasta, the Chile-based copper miner, is up 11p to 1,033.50p. Rio Tinto, the metals miner, is up 13p to 1,393p. ITV is up 1.75p to 105.75p after announcing the first departure of a number of non-executive directors following the merger of Granada and Carlton Communications. William Hill, the bookmaker, is down 22.5p to 520p after announcing punters won more bets in July and August. Marks & Spencer is down 1p to 355p ...