Miners are being supported by a recovery in the copper price, which is now up nearly 8% after earlier suffering another dip.
The rebound follows news that Chinese trade data showed the country was a net importer of base metals last month, easing some of the concerns about falling demand. Miners now account for six of the top ten risers in the leading index, with Eurasian Natural Resources Corporation up 28p at 229.75p and Xstrata 75p better at 730p. Although not one of the six, Rio Tinto has still risen 140p to £22.15 on suggestions it is in talks about a Chinese business - whether a metals company or a strategic investor - taking a stake in the company.
So, underpinned by the miners, the FTSE 100 is up 180.06 points at 3961.02.
Back with the retailers briefly, JJB Sports has jumped 4.25p to 34.5p after announcing it had received an approach for its fitness clubs division. Last month the company, which has put its non-core businesses up for sale, said it seen interest in its LifeStyle fashion operation.
