Market round-up: FTSE 100 investors take refuge in mines to escape Greece

world environment day — Anglo American's Los Bronces copper mine at Los Andes Mountain range, near Santiago in Chile Reuters

Edging slightly higher from the little gains it made on 23 June, the FTSE 100 was moribund by the on again off again Greek talks on 24 June. Investors sought solace in mines and supermarkets.

"Miners and supermarkets, which have endured some torrid times recently, were enjoying the rarefied atmosphere at the top of the blue-chip board today," says AJ Bell investment director Russ Mould.

"Sainsbury's was in vogue following a broker upgrade after the market closed last night and was vying with Morrisons for pole position on the board with market leader Tesco also making ground," he pointed out. "BHP Billiton, which also benefited from a broker upgrade, led the miners' resurgence with Anglo American, Fresnillo, Rio Tinto and Glencore all in close attendance."

The market pulled in a gain of 0.15% to close at 6,844.80p, a slightly positive up tick from the 0.13% gain on 23 June. Investors are still waiting on progress in the Greek debt talks before they can say whether they are truly optimistic.

On the down side, chemical company Elementis slumped after warning its revenue from 2014 will be below forecasts. After oil prices took a dive and put the kibosh on many new projects, there was not as much demand for its additives in the oilfield drilling sector.