Mining stocks fall as gold and copper prices retreat after early August rally

Mining shares led the FTSE 100 fallers on Friday, with major companies like Antofagasta, Glencore, and Fresnillo seeing declines between 2% and 3.5%. This sell-off followed a pullback in gold and copper prices, which had driven a strong rally in the sector earlier in August. Gold prices dropped 0.5% amid profit-taking and failed attempts to break above $4,500 per ounce, while copper prices eased after hitting a record high, influenced by demand concerns in China and pending U.S. tariff decisions. The sector's recent volatility highlights sensitivity to metal prices and global economic factors, with investors watching Federal Reserve rate decisions and trade policies closely.