Mining stocks lifted the FTSE 100 today

Shares in mining companies took a breather in their downward plunge today, helping the FTSE 100 to close up 0.98%.

The UK's share index climbed 65.84 points to end the day at 6,752.41.

Here's the chart:

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BHP Billiton was up 3.24%, while Anglo American rose 1.94% and Rio Tinto increased 3.68%, as investors piled back in to mining stocks that have been hit hardest by falls in commodity prices.

The London Stock Exchange group also rose today, up 1.40%, after it reported a 16% rise in half-year operating profits to £239 million.

Travis Perkins was among the fallers, down 2.84%, after a trading update disappointed analysts.