The FTSE 100 traded 0.5% higher on Thursday after a 0.5% loss in the previous session, as strong gains in mining and energy stocks lifted the index amid surging metals prices. Copper recorded its biggest one day jump in years, pushing Antofagasta up more than 6%, Anglo American 3.7%, Glencore 3% and Rio Tinto 2.6%, while precious metals miners also rallied as gold and silver hit fresh highs, with Endeavour up 5.4% and Fresnillo rising 4.4%. Energy stocks added support, with Shell and BP both up more than 1% as crude prices strengthened. Lloyds was volatile after announcing a share buyback of up to GBP 1.75 billion alongside higher annual profit. On the downside, utilities lagged, with Severn Trent, National Grid and Centrica down around 0.5% to 0.7%, and United Utilities also lower. On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve kept rates on hold, and Chair Jerome Powell pointed to improving economic and labour market conditions.