Market round-up: Footsie rallies with miners ahead while house builders sink over concerns

The FTSE 100 finished the week with a strong rally, lead by commodity traders and miners after metal and oil prices jumped.

Natural resources companies surged helped by the commodity rally. Oil prices also climbed after US data showed a drop in production to its lowest level since November 2014, which led investors to believe that the oversupply can be curbed.

European benchmark Brent Crude jumped 1.8% on Friday (4 March), while WTI climbed almost 2%. The commodity surge caused companies such as Anglo American, Glencore and BHP Billiton to lift the FTSE 100.

On the falling side, house builders came out on top, after a tough week for property companies, which showed a slowdown in construction. Building society Halifax showed on Wednesday that house prices grew 9.7% in the year to February, but the building society said that the growth will come under pressure from increasing supply and affordability issues.

"Prices continue to rise at a robust pace driven by a significant imbalance between supply and demand," said Martin Ellis, Halifax housing economist. "Whilst this position is likely to continue over the coming months, there are some tentative signs that the supply situation may be beginning to improve."

The London Stock Exchange (LSE) was among the biggest fallers, despite delivering a strong set of results in 2015. The company lifted its dividend after posting a sharp increase in revenue and total income.

In the 12 months to 31 December 2015, LSE recorded a 72% year-on-year increase in total income to £2.38bn ($3.37bn, €3.08bn). It said it is looking into a possible merger with Deutsche Boerse, rather than a partnership with the New York Stock Exchange.

FTSE 100 biggest risers

Anglo American +11.07%
Glencore +10.84%
BHP Billiton +9.12%
Antofagasta +7.73%
Rio Tinto +5.86%

FTSE 100 biggest fallers

Schroders -4.16%
Travis Perkins -3.57%
Berkeley -2.27%
Barratt Developments -1.68%
London Stock Exchange -1.38%

FTSE 250 biggest risers

Evraz +20.14%
Amec Foster Wheeler +12.25%
Tullow Oil +11.64%
Acacia Mining +8.48%
Ocado +8.40%

FTSE 250 biggest fallers

Cineworld -6.35%
St Modwen Properties -2.36%
William Hill -2.18%
Assura -2.14%
Cobham -1.84%