Mining and media stocks make mark on FTSE

Contrasting fortunes for mining and media stocks left the FTSE 100 Index close to its opening mark today.

Xstrata delivered a boost for the metals sector after it tabled an offer for platinum firm Lonmin at a 42% premium to Tuesday night’s closing price. Even though Lonmin rejected the approach, shares rose 48% or 1106p to 3425p and pulled a host of other mining stocks higher.