FTSE 100 attempted to push higher on the last trading session of 2024. Shortly after the open, the blue chip index was up 6 points at 8,127.
Endeavour Mining topped the early risers with a 1.4% gain as precious metals peer Fresnillo also gained.
Ashtead Group led the fallers in the meantime in the absence of any major movers, dropping 1.1%.
In company news, DG Innovate has signalled its departure from the London Stock Exchange, capping off a tough year for the market. The sustainable mobility and energy storage solutions firm said it had struggled to raise funds for investments since coming to the market in early 2022.
Wizz Air has said around 40 of its aircraft are expected to remain grounded over the coming fiscal year due to issues with Pratt & Whitney engines. The FTSE 250-listed airline said an agreement had been reached over commercial support from P&W over the issues to cover direct costs of groundings until late 2026.
And BAE Systems and its defence sector rivals are expected to ramp up dealmaking as global conflicts drive cash flow and demand for new technologies. According to Financial Times-cited analysis by Vertical Research Partners, the world’s 15 largest defence companies are on course for free cash flow of around US$50 billion (£39.8 billion) in 2026.