The FTSE 100 is taking its cue from a strong performance by US shares overnight, up 0.5% to 7,188.59. The NASDAQ and S&P 500 indicies closed at record highs on some encouraging corporate news.
Frankie & Benny's-owner Restaurant Group (RTN) sinks 8.4% to 321.8p as a post-close update reveals like-for-like sales growth down 5.9% in the fourth quarter. The news implies a transformation programme launched last year is yet to have an impact.
Mining firm Antofagasta (ANTO) surges 6.6% to 878.4p as it unveils a 13.8% rise in fourth quarter production and a better-than-expected 20% reduction in cash costs for 2016 as a whole.
Its peer BHP Billiton (BLT) is up 1.9% to £15.08 as it confirms production guidance for all commodities except copper with record iron ore output from West Australia.
Staying with the miners, Fresnillo (FRES) ticks up 0.4% to £14.88 as news of record silver and gold production is dampened by delays in implementing a turnaround plan.
Bookseller and newsagent WHSmith (SMWH) gains 4.8% to £15.51 as it says full year profit growth will be slightly ahead of guidance thanks to a strong contribution from its Travel division.
Fitness tracker firm Fitbug (FITB:AIM) slumps 23.6% to 0.203p as it announces a £1m placing at 0.2p.
