FTSE 100 movers: Late gust from US blows Carnival and TUI higher

The FTSE 100 climbed back into positive territory late in Friday's session, after a mixed day of corporate reports.

The blue chip index was up 0.20% to 6,681.97 by 15:05 BST, helped by a late surge from the leisure sector.

Cruise operator Carnival sailed to the top of the leader-board mid-afternoon on a gust of positive sentiment from across the Atlantic. US peer Royal Caribbean posted second-quarter profits that were stronger than expected and raised its outlook for the full year. Also carried on the tailwinds of this news was London-listed TUI.

ITV was also lifted by US influences, as Colorado rancher-cum-media magnate John Malone's Liberty Global upped its stake in the UK broadcaster to just under 10%.

Royal Mail shares regained some of the ground lost earlier in the week from regulator Ofcom's criticism.

One of the big results releases of the day was from Lloyds, which boosted profits 15% in the first half but disappointed with second-quarter earnings. Analysts at Investec said the underlying picture was "not stellar" as while the revenue trend was down but costs were up, while the likelihood of share buybacks replacing future special dividends also hurt sentiment.

Shares in Chilean copper miner Antofagasta was were also on the retreat despite announcing the acquisition of 50% stake in a nearby Chilean copper mine, which it said would immediately improve earnings. However analysts said the valuation appeared full and will likely rule out a special dividend for the foreseeable future.

Copper prices were also falling, along with most other three-month contracts on the London Metals Exchange, which also hit Glencore.

InterContinental Hotels shares booked out after denying it was in merger talks with Starwood Hotels.

British Airways owner IAG flew lower despite interim profits beating forecasts thanks to rising passenger numbers and improved costs. Analysts at Nomura noted that, while the cost performance was impressive, it expected some market concerns over the reducing passenger unit revenue(passenger RASK) trend that has moved from -0.8% in the first quarter to -6.6% in the second.

FTSE 100 - Risers
Carnival (CCL) 3,523.00p +4.35%
ITV (ITV) 280.90p +3.42%
Persimmon (PSN) 2,041.00p +2.77%
TUI AG Reg Shs (DI) (TUI) 1,098.00p +2.52%
Barratt Developments (BDEV) 639.50p +2.24%
Travis Perkins (TPK) 2,243.00p +2.23%
Sky (SKY) 1,142.00p +2.06%
Royal Mail (RMG) 502.50p +1.97%
Taylor Wimpey (TW.) 193.90p +1.84%
Relx plc (REL) 1,117.00p +1.82%

FTSE 100 - Fallers
Antofagasta (ANTO) 563.00p -3.01%
Lloyds Banking Group (LLOY) 83.69p -2.71%
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) 2,675.00p -2.48%
Glencore (GLEN) 207.00p -1.90%
BP (BP.) 394.95p -1.51%
Smiths Group (SMIN) 1,120.00p -1.32%
Weir Group (WEIR) 1,536.00p -1.22%
Prudential (PRU) 1,502.00p -1.18%
Hikma Pharmaceuticals (HIK) 2,377.00p -1.16%
International Consolidated Airlines Group SA (CDI) (IAG) 536.00p -1.11%