Copper, paper and diamonds

The FTSE 100 made a lacklustre start to the week with investors consolidating positions following Friday's rally on a relatively quiet corporate and economic news day.

“Central Asia Metals has bucked the trend among miners by maintaining its dividend despite the slump in commodity prices,” says AJ Bell Investment Director Russ Mould.

“CAML’s copper output and sales rose to record levels in 2015 but revenues were down as prices plunged by 21%. The full year payout to investors is maintained at 12.5p per share and the company will soon have distributed more than $73m to shareholders, significantly more than the $60m raised at its IPO in 2010.

“Paper manufacturer James Cropper’s shares jumped in early trading as it expects full year results to be materially ahead of market forecasts even before recent favourable foreign currency movements.

“Karelian soared after analysis showed that Riihivaara kimberlite samples will likely be diamondiferous which is very encouraging for its exploration programme in Finland.”

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