The FTSE 100 bounced higher on Thursday after days of sideways movement, with the blue-chip index benefiting from a surge in the mining companies.
Fresnillo, Anglo-American, Glencore and Antofagasta were all early risers.
Also opening higher was high-street retailer Next, which reported record profits, strong guidance and a nearly 6% jump in sales.
In the banking sector, Nationwide formally submitted its offer for its Virgin Money takeover, valuing the lender at 220p per share or £2.9 billion. Nationwide’s valuation represents around a 38% premium to its closing price on March 6, when the takeover was first announced.
In macro news, the Bank of England’s monetary policy committee will be meeting today and while a rate cut is unlikely, the market will be keen to hear any indications of a target date for the first reduction.