FTSE inches upwards as miners support

The leading share index in the UK stumbled on Thursday after hitting key resistance levels but managed to creep into the blue on the back of merger rumours in the mining sector. By the close of Thursday, the FTSE 100 was marginally higher, adding 0.1 per cent, just over 5 points to finish at 5796.

After a wobbly start, the bluechips peaked at an intraday high of 5809, the highest level seen in six months. However, it was unable to hold out at the key resistance level and tumbled back below 5800. Acquisition rumours concerning Xstrata and Glencore, a commodities firm, helped to lift sentiment in the market to end the day on a high. News that a deal has still not been done for Greece...