Anglo American gains on 42 H1 copper production jump
Sterling continues to weaken after infation data
IG Group up after saying raising dividend
FTSE 100 up 0.7, FTSE 250 up 0.1

July 20 Reuters UK39;s FTSE 100 extended gains on Thursday as mining stocks rose on higher metal prices, while global miner Anglo American topped the index after reporting a jump in firsthalf copper production.

The bluechip FTSE 100 gained 0.7, hovering near a onemonth high hit on Wednesday.

The more domesticallyfocussed FTSE 250 midcap index gained 0.1 after a nearly 4 jump in the previous session.

Industrial metal miners gained 3.2 as prices of most base metals rose on short covering following a report that the Chinese government is looking at supportive measures for the real estate market.

Anglo American added 5.1 after reporting a 42 surge in firsthalf copper production.

A weaker pound continued to support gains on the exporterheavy FTSE 100 a day after data showed domestic inflation easing more than anticipated and traders sharply adjusting their terminal rate expectations for the Bank of England.

The potential economic benefits of interest rates peaking and hopefully not staying there for long is a massive plus for the economy, said Craig Erlam, senior market analyst at OANDA.

Traders are, however, betting on the BoE to hike its lending rate by a quarter percent when it meets next month.

Overnight, BoE Deputy Governor Dave Ramsden said the inflation data still showed risks of…