FTSE 100 rises as mining stocks rally on stronger metal prices

The UK’s blue-chip index advanced on Tuesday, supported by gains in mining-related shares as base metal prices strengthened, while energy stocks came under pressure following a decline in crude oil.

Broader sentiment was also influenced by geopolitical developments, including renewed expectations of progress in US–Iran talks.

The FTSE 100 rose 0.4% to 10,377.4 points by 1129 GMT.

If gains hold, the index is set to end a three-day losing streak.

The FTSE 250 outperformed, climbing 0.8% in the same session, reflecting broader buying interest in mid-cap stocks.

Mining stocks lead gains on metals strength

Industrial metal miners were among the strongest performers on the day, driven by a rally in copper prices.

The sector index gained as heavyweight companies, including Glencore, Anglo American, and Rio Tinto, each rose by around 2%.

According to market movement cited in the session, copper prices climbed to a more than two-week high, supporting sentiment across the sector.

Precious metal miners also benefited, with the segment rising 1.8% as gold prices increased by around 1%.

The strength in commodity-linked equities provided the main upward push for the FTSE 100, offsetting weakness in other cyclical sectors.

Housing stocks supported by lending data

Domestic-focused shares also gained after fresh data from the Bank of England showed an increase in mortgage approvals.

British lenders approved the highest number of mortgages in 15 months in April, while consumer credit grew at a faster-than-expected pace.

Homebuilder stocks responded positively to the data, with the sector rising 1.5% during the session.

The figures added to optimism around demand in the UK housing market, supporting sentiment in interest-rate-sensitive equities.

Oil stocks weaken on supply and geopolitical outlook

Energy stocks declined as crude oil prices came under pressure.

The oil and gas sector fell 0.8%, reflecting market reaction to comments from US President Donald Trump indicating that discussions with Iran were ongoing.

The broader geopolitical backdrop also included developments in the Middle East, with Lebanon announcing a partial ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel.

These signals contributed to shifting expectations around supply risk in the oil market.

BAT and GB group under pressure

Among individual stocks, British American Tobacco came under pressure despite raising its forecast for revenue from smoking alternatives such as vapes.

The company kept its overall guidance unchanged, and shares fell 2.9% following the update.

GB Group also declined sharply, sliding 9.9% after reporting a yearly loss.

The identity technology company said the result was driven by a £73.1 million impairment charge.

Bonds and currency move modestly

In fixed income markets, British government bond yields edged slightly lower across the curve, reflecting cautious sentiment among investors.

In currency markets, the pound rose marginally, gaining 0.1% against the US dollar as trading remained subdued.

Overall, the session reflected a mixed but broadly positive tone for UK equities, with commodity strength offsetting weakness in energy and select corporate stocks.