FTSE 100 flat as mining stocks weigh; Smiths Group top gainer

London’s FTSE 100 was subdued on Tuesday as losses in mining heavyweights outweighed strength in energy shares, while Smiths Group (LON:SMIN) topped the blue-chip index after the technology company delivered positive full-year results.

Shares of Smiths Group jumped 4.1% after the UK-based company signed a binding agreement to sell its medical devices unit, Smiths Medical, and declared a dividend of 26 pence following robust annual earnings.

The blue-chip FTSE 100 index was flat with gains in Royal Dutch Shell (LON:RDSa) and BP (LON:BP) being outweighed by weakness in miners Rio Tinto (LON:RIO) and Anglo American (LON:AAL).

The domestically focussed mid-cap index dropped 0.5%, with travel and leisure stocks among the top losers.

In company news, Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS)’ Petershill Partners unit traded at 350 pence per share in its debut. Bookrunners had set a price band of 320 pence-380 pence per share.

Shares of Ferguson Plc gained 1.7% after the plumbing parts distributor reported higher annual profit.

FTSE 100 flat as mining stocks weigh; Smiths Group top gainer