The FTSE 100 opened the week higher, attempting to rebound after five consecutive sessions of declines, with mining stocks providing the main support. Stronger copper prices lifted Antofagasta and Anglo American by 2.4% and 2.2%, respectively, while Glencore also advanced about 2.4%. Rising gold prices underpinned precious-metals miners, with Fresnillo gaining roughly 2% and Endeavour Mining up 1.6%.
AstraZeneca climbed more than 1% after issuing updates on several drug trials, even as the pharmaceutical group announced it would halt a Phase 3 trial of a lung-cancer treatment.
Overall sentiment remained cautious, with investors closely tracking developments in and around the Strait of Hormuz and the broader US-Iran stand-off. Over the weekend, Iran urged the US to accept defeat, while President Donald Trump labelled Tehran “very evil” and warned Americans to brace for a prolonged period of elevated fuel prices.
