FTSE 100 rallies on copper prices, Rolls-Royce boosts profits

The FTSE 100 index closed Thursday's afternoon trade up 0.3% at 10,938.67.

Copper prices drove a rally in mining stocks, with Antofagasta and Anglo American gaining ground.

Anglo American also lifted its dividend and reported a narrowing of first-half losses.

Rolls-Royce's shares surged after it upgraded its full-year profit guidance to £4.7bn-£4.9bn in underlying operating profits, up from £4.0bn-£4.2bn previously.

Lloyds Banking Group gained as it maintained annual guidance despite a 23% jump in half-year profits, driven by higher net interest income.