Miners build up FTSE

BHP Billiton has gained 4.3% to 1,096.5p and Rio Tinto has advanced 2.6% to 2,999p. BG Group has also risen 2.7% to 739p. The company said business in its first quarter was ahead of analyst forecasts because of a "strong performance" of its liquefied natural gas business. In Japan, the Nikkei 225 Stock Average gained 273.65 points, or 1.6%, to 17,333.31 points, led by manufacturers such as Canon and Toyota Motor. Canon gained 150 yen, or 1.9%, to 7,940, Toyota advanced 80 yen, or 1.2%, to 6,510 and Honda Motor added 100 yen, or 1.4%, to 7,390. Lenders including Mitsubishi UFJ Fi...