Sector movers: Mining sector rises as metals prices increase

7th Jul 2011 16:05

The miners were making gains on Thursday, as metals prices headed higher.As of 16:10, copper futures were 2.11% higher at $442.65/lb, while silver was 1.25% up at $36.365 per troy ounce.FTSE 100 mining peers Antofagasta, Kazakhmys, Fresnillo, ENRC and Rio Tinto were all in demand.Sector peer BHP Billiton was also higher despite suspending its port and rail operating in Western Australia following a fatality at its Port Hedland iron ore terminal. However, the real estate investment trust sector is being dragged to the bottom of the pile by Hammerson.Shares of the FTSE 100 firm slumped its largest shareholder, a unit of the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan, sold its entire 12% stake in the company at 463 pence a share.Business space provider, Workspace, is lower after announcing that it is to raise £63m through a rights issue. Sector peer Capital Shopping Centres, the shopping centre development outfit, is heading lower on the FTSE 100, two days after Credit Suisse downgraded the stock to underperform, from neutral. BCTop performing sectors so far todayAutomobiles & Parts 5,730.60 +3.24%Industrial Metals & Mining 7,724.05 +2.44%Mining 26,861.98 +2.25%Construction & Materials 3,994.17 +2.14%Technology Hardware & Equipment 804.17 +2.14%Bottom performing sectors so far todayReal Estate Investment Trusts 2,284.40 -2.27%Real Estate Investment & Services 1,769.54 -0.70%Household Goods & Home Construction 6,778.14 -0.66%Electronic & Electrical Equipment 3,420.57 -0.63%Support Services 4,638.98 -0.36%