April 18 (Reuters) - The UK's commodity-heavy index rose on Tuesday as a surge in tin and gold prices boosted base and precious metal miners, while shares of Entain gained on upbeat quarterly results.
The FTSE 100 (.FTSE) increased 0.3%, on the rise for the eighth straight day, while the mid-cap FTSE 250 (.FTMC) was up 0.1%, as of 0805 GMT.
Industrial miners (.FTNMX551020) gained 1.2% as tin prices soared more than 10%, supported by supply fears after a major ore-producing region in Myanmar issued a ban on mining activities.
Precious metal miners (.FTNMX551030) added 2.1%, tracking a rise in gold prices against a pullback in the dollar.
The defensive commodity and pharmaceuticals stocks have cushioned the exporter-heavy FTSE 100's rally.
"(UK equities) are more defensive in nature. So, if people have some concerns about equities globally, the UK is a good place to hide, driving flows of defensive companies," said Marija Veitmane, senior multi-asset strategist at State Street Global Markets.
"The key for UK equities is that it has an international focus, so, currency really matters for short-term volatility."
Homebuilders (.FTNMX402020) and personal care (.FTNMX452010) stocks were laggards, down 0.7% and 0.4% respectively, as a rise in the pound dented the internationally focused firms.
Meanwhile, data showed Britain's pay growth - key to the Bank of England's (BoE) debate about whether to extend its run of interest rate hikes next month - held at 6.6% in the three months to February.
Traders see a 72.3% chance of the BoE raising rates by 25 basis points at its policy meeting in May.
Among major movers, Entain Plc (ENT.L) rose 3% after the Ladbrokes owner reported higher quarterly net gaming revenues, helped by acquisitions and robust demand in its retail shops.
Easyjet Plc (EZJ.L) added 2.9% after the airline forecast 2023 profit ahead of market expectations.
Cineworld (CINE.L) slipped 1% after the cinema chain operator abandoned the planned sale of its businesses in Eastern Europe and Israel.
