FTSE 100 edges up as miners offset BP and Shell losses

The FTSE 100 rose about 0.3% on Wednesday, reaching roughly 10,886, as mining gains and lower bond yields offset sharp declines in BP and Shell following another drop in oil prices. Brent crude fell toward $86 per barrel on renewed hopes that Iran-Oman talks could improve shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. BP and Shell each dropped over 2%, while miners benefited from higher metal prices. Banks like NatWest were also highlighted as potential beneficiaries. Lower oil reduces inflation pressure, potentially aiding rate-sensitive sectors. European markets were mixed, with the Stoxx 600 up 0.1%. Later, Nvidia's earnings report and US inflation data could set the next direction for global stocks.