FTSE 100 Rises on Utilities, Antofagasta as Oil Majors Lag

London's FTSE 100 index rose by 0.8% in early trade on Wednesday, led by utilities and Antofagasta, while oil majors slipped.

The DAX, CAC 40, and Stoxx 50 indices also gained ground, with the latter increasing by 0.5%. Sterling appreciated against the US dollar, gaining 0.3% to $1.3265.

In commodities, spot gold added 0.3% to $4,194, while Brent crude oil fell 0.2% to $95.96.