The FTSE 100 traded higher on Friday, on track for a fourth consecutive session of modest gains and a weekly rise of about 0.2%. The index was supported mainly by mining and banking stocks, while defensive healthcare names acted as a drag.
Mining companies advanced on the back of stronger precious and industrial metal prices. Antofagasta climbed more than 5%, Fresnillo gained around 3.6%, Endeavour Mining added 2.8%, Anglo American rose 2.5% and Glencore advanced 2.3%. Broad-based strength in gold, silver and copper prices underpinned the resources sector.
Among financials, HSBC added more than 1%. By contrast, heavyweight oil majors Shell and BP were little changed as Brent crude prices slipped. Healthcare shares underperformed the wider market, with GSK down about 1% and AstraZeneca falling 1.8%.
