Mining sector leads FTSE 100 higher

The FTSE 100 rose 1% to 5,871.5 points by 1.45pm today, propelled by the mining sector.

Following its rise the index nearly topped its closing high this year of 5875.35, reached on 5 November. The index is 22% higher than the year's low point, posted on 1 July. Beijing's decision to hold interest rates provided a boost to the mining sector, with Kazakhmys up 3.6% at £15.84 points, as silver rose in London trading. Rival Fresnillo was also up, by 3.4% at £15.85. Of the major metals only gold and tin declined, with bullion softening 0.1% to $1388.25 per troy ounce, and tin off 1.4%. Germany's Dax also reacted positively this afternoon to the news from China, rising 0...