FTSE 100’s performance somewhat flat

The FTSE 100 Index struggled to remain in positive territory, just 11.1 points higher at 6284.5, after a collapse in the copper price batted away the benefits of an oil price rally and sent mining giants tumbling into the red.

Anglo American and Glencore were down more than 3% and 2% respectively.

The oil price continued rise on the back of the weakening dollar and the recent supply outages in Nigeria triggered by militant attacks on its oil infrastructure.

Brent crude was up 0.8% to $50.94 a barrel, with BP stepping up 4.9p to 373.3p.

Sterling remained strong against the dollar and the euro after fresh polls put the Remain camp in the lead ahead of the EU referendum.

The pound was up 0.8% against the dollar at 1.457, while sterling climbed 0.9% against the euro at 1.283.