Shares in the U.K. showed marginal gains on Monday, following the release of better-than-expected industrial output and retail sales data from China, a major consumer of metals. Despite closing 0.2 percent lower on Friday, the FTSE 100 rose modestly by 9 points or 0.1 percent to 7,734.
However, mining stocks generally dipped with Antofagasta experiencing a nearly 2 percent drop. Building materials company, Marshalls, saw a significant 6.5 percent fall in shares after reporting a decrease in annual pretax profit and revenue, a result of tough end-market conditions.
Meanwhile, Currys, an electronics retail company, experienced a 3.5 percent surge in share price following an increase in its profit guidance. Additionally, shares in British American Tobacco rose 1.3 percent after embarking on a £1.6 billion ($2 billion) buyback scheme made possible by the sale of a portion of its stake in India's ITC.
British Land Company shares increased by 2.2 percent after the company announced a new 50:50 joint venture with Royal London Asset Management Property. The partnership aims to elevate 1 Triton Square into a leading science and innovation building at Regent's Place.
