NEW YORK: U.K. stocks rose for the first time in five days as commodity producers climbed with precious metals.
The FTSE 100 Index advanced 0.4 percent to 6,707.88 at the close of trading in London, reversing a loss of as much as 0.8 percent. Randgold Resources Ltd. and Fresnillo Plc increased more than 2 percent as gold and silver rose for a second day.
The benchmark gauge of U.K. stocks trimmed its June drop to 4 percent. It’s heading for its worst month in two years as the pound is at its strongest level since November versus the dollar and Greek bailout talks stall.
The broader FTSE All-Share Index rose 0.3 percent, and Ireland’s ISEQ Index added 0.6 percent.