The FTSE 100 rose slightly on Thursday, supported by gains in commodity-linked stocks as metal and oil prices climbed. Miners led the rally, with Anglo American up 7% and Antofagasta up 5.6% as copper prices hit a three-month high. Glencore and Rio Tinto also gained 5% and 3.5%, respectively. Oil giants Shell and BP rose 0.7% and 1.6%, helped by rising crude prices. Meanwhile, Shell denied any immediate plans to acquire BP, following speculation of takeover talks. Gold miners Fresnillo and Endeavour also climbed. Defense stock BAE Systems gained over 3.5% amid optimism surrounding NATO’s decision to raise its defense spending target to 5% of GDP by 2035. Meanwhile, exporters like Unilever and British American Tobacco fell more than 2% each, hurt by the stronger pound, which reached its highest level since October 2021. Investors continued to monitor the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran, which helped ease geopolitical tensions.