FTSE 100 movers: Glencore rallies but housebuilders lose ground

London’s FTSE 100 index was up 0.3% to 6,682.13 as investors digested some encouraging jobs data.

Glencore was the standout gainer as copper prices came off their four-month lows thanks to anticipation of improved Chinese demand.

London prices for the red metal tested three-week highs as China's factory output and retail sales increased faster than expected in August, while US household income data showed a record increase after long-term stagnation.

As a copper proxy, commodities giant Glencore is set to benefit.

Shire was on the front foot after saying the US Food and Drug Administration has approved its Cuvitru drug for patients with primary immunodeficiency. The treatment is expected to launch in the US in the coming weeks.

Budget airline EasyJet flew lower as Barclays cut its price target on the stock on outlook concerns.

Sky was a little weaker after it announced a £1m investment in the Drone Racing League, which includes a distribution deal to show the league on one of its channels from October.

Sky Sports will show live events and broadcast content to the UK and Ireland airing 10 one-hour episodes of the league's season, which covers five races and a world championship final.

Housebuilders Taylor Wimpey, Persimmon and Barratt Developments were under the cosh after new housing minister Gavin Barwell gave a strong indication of a material shifting in housing policy, hinting that controversial Starter Homes scheme will be scrapped and the government will pursue policies to expand the public sector and private sector rental markets.

Risers

Glencore (GLEN) 181.35p 2.43%
Admiral Group (ADM) 1,987.00p 2.37%
3i Group (III) 629.50p 2.19%
Hikma Pharmaceuticals (HIK) 2,140.00p 1.95%
St James's Place (STJ) 948.50p 1.77%
Randgold Resources Ltd. (RRS) 7,475.00p 1.63%
CRH (CRH) 2,511.00p 1.62%
Shire Plc (SHP) 4,883.00p 1.60%
Antofagasta (ANTO) 488.00p 1.52%
Anglo American (AAL) 795.00p 1.43%

Fallers

easyJet (EZJ) 1,095.00p -3.44%
Taylor Wimpey (TW.) 150.90p -1.57%
Burberry Group (BRBY) 1,255.00p -1.49%
Persimmon (PSN) 1,768.00p -1.23%
International Consolidated Airlines Group SA (CDI) (IAG) 414.80p -1.17%
Micro Focus International (MCRO) 2,145.00p -1.11%
BT Group (BT.A) 375.50p -1.07%
Barratt Developments (BDEV) 478.40p -1.01%
Dixons Carphone (DC.) 369.10p -0.91%
Sky (SKY) 831.00p -0.89%