Miners lift FTSE towards 6,200 after Chinese growth surprise

Mining stocks have driven the FTSE 100 to a four year high, boosted by better than expected Chinese growth figures.

Data released this morning shows China's economic growth has accelerated for the first time in two years, with the country's gross domestic product growing 7.9% year-on-year in the last three months of 2012, ahead of analyst estimates. Mining stocks, which are heavily exposed to the Chinese economy, have rallied strongly in today's trading session, in light of the announcement. Evraz tops the leaderboard, rising 6.2% or 80p to 310p, followed by Rio Tinto, which has gained 2.66% or 92p to £3.53, at 2.50pm. The strong showing has helped spur the FTSE 100 towards 6,200, gaining 0.63% ...