FTSE gains as copper prices soar

Copper for delivery in three months rose $22, or 0.6%, to a record $4,030 a metric ton on the London Metal Exchange, giving Antofagasta, the London-based owner of three copper mines in Chile, a boost of 76p, or 5%, to 1,595p. BHP Billiton, the world's biggest mining company, climbed 9.5p, or 1.2%, to 835p, while Rio Tinto, the third-largest, added 64p, or 2.82%, to 2,336p. Meanwhile Kingfisher fell 3.75p, or 1.72%, to 214.75p, after Travis Perkins issued poor sales results which hit the home improvement sector. In the US, stocks are advancing with the Dow Jones currently up 24.57 po...