(Sharecast News) - London's FTSE 100 was 0.2% higher at 10,754.70 in afternoon trade on Monday.

St James's Place was the standout gainer on the index, having lost ground last Thursday following a third-quarter update.

BA and Iberia owner IAG flew higher as oil prices fell amid reports the US and Iran are seeking diplomatic options to end the conflict in the Middle East.

According to Axios, Benjamin Netanyahu is pressing Trump to strike Iran immediately after the midterm elections. However, for now, the US President wants to let negotiations play out - a strategy Netanyahu is concerned about.

Precious metals miner Fresnillo shone as gold and silver prices advanced. David Morrison, senior market analyst at Trade Nation, said: "The moves took spot gold and silver back above $3,900 and $50 respectively. Last week saw both sell off relentlessly in a move which took gold back to levels last seen over a year ago.

"As of Friday's lows, gold had lost over 17% from its most recent high in August and 30% from its all-time high in January. On Friday, silver fell to an 11-month low having shed around 60% of its value from the record high hit earlier this year. So a rebound was overdue. But does this mean that the bottom is in? So far the recovery looks unconvincing.

"The gold bulls should really be looking for a rebound above $4,000 on volume, which would make the argument for buying any subsequent pullback much stronger."

On the downside, Ithaca Energy, BP and Shell were all weaker on the back of lower oil prices.

FTSE 100 - Risers

St James's Place (STJ) 1,076.00p 3.75%

Kingfisher (KGF) 363.80p 3.41%

Weir (WEIR) 2,644.00p 3.36%

International Consolidated Airlines Group SA (CDI) (IAG) 415.20p 3.08%

Fresnillo (FRES) 2,300.00p 2.95%

JD Sports Fashion (JD.) 94.66p 2.87%

Barratt Redrow (BTRW) 332.90p 2.78%

Antofagasta (ANTO) 3,214.00p 2.72%

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) 171.25p 2.42%

Babcock International Group (BAB) 1,041.00p 2.26%

FTSE 100 - Fallers

Ithaca Energy (ITH) 290.40p -3.83%

BP (BP.) 612.40p -2.18%

Vodafone Group (VOD) 116.65p -1.93%

AstraZeneca (AZN) 13,712.00p -1.81%

Shell (SHEL) 3,966.50p -1.73%

Centrica (CNA) 150.55p -1.24%

Relx plc (REL) 2,957.00p -1.14%

SSE (SSE) 2,594.00p -1.10%

WPP (WPP) 400.30p -1.06%

Smith & Nephew (SN.) 1,096.50p -0.95%