London’s FTSE 100 pared earlier gains to close just above the flatline at 9,196 on Monday, as gains in precious metals miners and defense stocks outweighed major losses in utilities. Investors assessed corporate updates ahead of key economic releases this week, particularly US labor market data. On the domestic macro front, the Bank of England's money and credit data showed healthy credit flows and rising mortgage approvals. The latest survey from Nationwide was also in focus, as it revealed a slowdown in annual house price growth. However, a fresh PMI survey showed the downturn in the UK's manufacturing sector continued in August. Among equities, Endeavour and Fresnilo shone as gold prices neared a record high, while silver hit a 14-year high. Defense names Babcock, Rolls-Royce and BAE Systems all gained after the UK secured a 10 bn GBP deal to supply Norway with at least five new warships.