FTSE 100 movers: Miners rally but AB Foods and CRH retreat

London's FTSE 100 was up 0.6% to 7,624.33 in afternoon trade on Tuesday as news of a trade deal between the US and Mexico underpinned sentiment.

Miners were on the front foot, with Anglo American, BHP Billiton and Glencore all higher thanks to a weaker dollar and stronger metals prices.

NMC Health was in the green after the healthcare operator denied reports that it is looking to buy assets in India. Responding to press speculation, the company reaffirmed its current focus on the Gulf Cooperation Council market for capital deployment.

"The fertility business and operations and management (O&M) vertical remain the only exceptions to the above and maintain a wider geographic focus," it said.

On the downside, Associated British Foods fell as Citi cuts its FY19 and FY20 earnings per share forecast on sugar pricing and FX. However, the bank, which has a 'buy' rating on ABF, said Primark remains one of its favourite retail formats.

Irish building materials group CRH was in the red as JPMorgan Cazenove cut its price target on the stock to €36 from €37. However, JPM kept its 'overweight' rating on CRH and said concerns about 2018 consensus are overdone.

FTSE 100 - Risers

Evraz (EVR) 522.03p 6.19%
Anglo American (AAL) 1,639.80p 4.11%
NMC Health (NMC) 3,946.00p 3.52%
BHP Billiton (BLT) 1,710.20p 2.95%
Glencore (GLEN) 329.85p 2.84%
Mondi (MNDI) 2,196.00p 2.76%
Fresnillo (FRES) 972.00p 2.62%
Royal Mail (RMG) 476.90p 2.58%
Burberry Group (BRBY) 2,320.00p 2.43%
Sage Group (SGE) 658.40p 2.30%

FTSE 100 - Fallers

Associated British Foods (ABF) 2,306.00p -2.29%
CRH (CRH) 2,615.00p -1.02%
British American Tobacco (BATS) 3,883.50p -0.65%
Sainsbury (J) (SBRY) 334.40p -0.59%
Vodafone Group (VOD) 174.36p -0.52%
RSA Insurance Group (RSA) 637.26p -0.52%
TUI AG Reg Shs (DI) (TUI) 1,452.00p -0.45%
Rolls-Royce Holdings (RR.) 1,005.50p -0.45%
Imperial Brands (IMB) 2,790.00p -0.36%
BP (BP.) 561.70p -0.35%