London's FTSE 100 rises on robust earnings, dividends

Global miner Anglo American gained 3.6% after it increased its shareholder payout to $4.1 billion, including a $1 billion buyback, after bumper profits from the first six months of 2021. The domestically focussed mid-cap index climbed 0.2%.

London's FTSE 100 gained on Thursday, as encouraging earnings and huge dividend payouts from some of the UK's biggest corporates outweighed worries around rising inflation and COVID-19 cases. The blue-chip index rose 0.4%, led by oil major Royal Dutch Shell, miner Anglo American, and pest control company Rentokil Initial.

Shell jumped 3.3% to be the top boost to the FTSE 100. Its second-quarter profit jumped to $5.5 billion, the highest in over two years, prompting the company to raise its dividend and launch a $2 million share buyback program. Global miner Anglo American gained 3.6% after it increased its shareholder payout to $4.1 billion, including a $1 billion buyback, after bumper profits from the first six months of 2021.

The domestically focussed mid-cap index climbed 0.2%. Lloyd's Banking Group, caterer Compass Group and information provider Relx added 1.0% to 2.5% after reporting strong results.