Sector movers: Miners buck the downward trend

21st May 2010 14:07

Unusually for a day that has seen the FTSE 100 sliding more than 100 points, miners are in demand.The sector has been helped by a slight improvement in metals prices, which comes after a week of sharp declines.FTSE 100 mining stalwarts such as Xstrata, Fresnillo and Rio Tinto are wanted.But shares in Weatherly International dropped after the copper miner rejected an unsolicited approach from a third party.The drinks sector is looking a bit flat, with shares in Vimto maker Nichols, which yesterday fizzed following a bullish trading update, sitting in the red.Top performing sectors so far todayMining 19,052.80 +0.99%Alternative Energy 5,738.80 +0.82%Software & Computer Services 613.93 +0.16%Bottom performing sectors so far todayHealth Care Equipment & Services 3,385.62 -3.39%Forestry & Paper 4,224.53 -3.30%Beverages 8,082.58 -2.84%Industrial Metals & Mining 4,844.70 -2.59%Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology 8,142.49 -2.41%