FTSE 100 Live: FTSE 100 Opens Higher as Miners Surge; Lloyds and AstraZeneca Add Strength

The FTSE 100 started the week with gains, up 18 points to 9,444.9, as mining and financial stocks helped offset global market concerns from US-China trade tensions. The rebound came after Friday’s 0.9% decline, with investors encouraged by stronger commodity prices and a more conciliatory tone from President Trump on tariffs.

Mining Sector Powers FTSE 100 Recovery

Mining shares led the gains on the London Stock Exchange, boosted by higher metal prices. Fresnillo rose 5.47% to £2,506, while Endeavour Mining climbed 4.40% to £3,224, up £136. 

Anglo American advanced by 2.01% to £2,938, Antofagasta gained 1.89% to £2,744, M&G rose 1.81% to £259.5, and Burberry Group increased 1.50% to £1,217.5. 

The surge reflected optimism in commodity-linked sectors, particularly as gold climbed 1% to $4,067 per ounce and Brent crude oil gained 1.5% to $63.65 per barrel.

Lloyds Rises Despite £800 Million Redress Charge

Lloyds Banking Group edged £1 higher to £83.9 after announcing an additional £800 million provision for its motor finance redress scheme. The total now stands at £1.95 billion.

Even with the sizable charge, investor sentiment improved because the figure was still in line with City expectations. Lloyds did not accept the Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA) proposed redress methodology and argued it exaggerated customer losses.

Barclays and NatWest traded flat in early trade, showing a more cautious tone.

AstraZeneca Confirms US Drug Pricing Deal

AstraZeneca shares advanced £98 to £2,880 after confirming a major drug discount agreement with the US government. 

The deal offers discounts of up to 80% on chronic disease treatments under the TrumpRx.gov platform, making AstraZeneca the second large pharmaceutical company, after Pfizer, to enter a “Most Favoured Nation” pricing arrangement.

Aviva Gains on Positive Brokerage Call

Aviva rose £4.1 to £676.5 after analysts at RBC Capital upgraded the stock to Outperform, setting a target price of £800. 

The insurer’s stable balance sheet, improving cash flow, and rising capital reserves were cited as key positives supporting its long-term outlook.

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Outlook

Analysts expect that the FTSE 100 will maintain its upward momentum in the short term, backed by commodity strength, resilient corporate earnings, and easing political anxiety. Still, they caution that fluctuations might remain a feature of the market as the global markets continue to deal with uncertainty over trade, inflation, and policy.