London stocks kick-start week, Phoenix Group shines

Industrial metal miners climbed 0.9%, helped by a rise in copper prices on a softer dollar. Meanwhile, Phoenix Group raised its full-year cash generation forecast after it completed the merger of two of its insurance brands.

The UK's FTSE 100 started the week higher, led by a rise in industrial metal mining stocks as prices of copper rose, while insurer Phoenix Group lifted the life insurance index on forecast upgrade.

The commodity-focused FTSE 100 was up 0.4% at 8:21 GMT, while the mid-cap index added 0.2%. Industrial metal miners climbed 0.9%, helped by a rise in copper prices on a softer dollar.

Meanwhile, Phoenix Group raised its full-year cash generation forecast after it completed the merger of two of its insurance brands. The insurer advanced 8.6%, pushing the broader life insurance index up 1.7% and leading sectoral gains. Property firm British Land estimated its annual rental value growth at the top end of its previous forecast range, taking the shares up 5.5%.

Dr. Martens slipped 3.0% after Barclays reduced the bootmaker's price target.

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