UBS said that the outlook for the UK mining sector is improving with quantitative easing (QE) measures now expected. Pushing the likes of Kazakhymys, Vedanta and Antofagasta higher, the broker said: "QE triggers a return of capital flows to emerging markets, incentivising companies to stop running for cash and embark on a commodity bullish restocking phase. As in the past, QE is likely to drive up commodity prices and in turn mining equities." Shares in retailer Marks & Spencer were up on reports that a buy-out of the firm is in the works. Banks are said to be exploring different possible means to structure a leveraged buy-out of the company, according to a report published by Reuters last Friday after the close of markets. Government-owned lender Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) was pushed higher by reports that it could start the process of spinning off its Direct Line Insurance Group by the end of the week. Quoting persons close to the discussions, news agency Bloomberg claims RBS is poised to sell around a quarter of Direct Line through a stock market flotation to generate around £1.0bn, although no decision has yet been made about either timing or the valuation of the flotation. Sector peer Barclays was making gains after UBS raised its target price for the stock from 205p to 235p and reiterated its 'buy' recommendation. The broker said that there is "potentially significant upside if new CEO changes strategy". Oil major BP rose on rumours that it is in advanced talks to sell a group of oilfields in the Gulf of Mexico to US outfit Plains Exploration & Production. Meanwhile, Primark and sugar group AB Foods was out of favour despite saying that adjusted operating profits in the second half will be well ahead of last year and in line with expectations. Investec said this morning it expects to lower its full-year EPS estimate due to the weaker-than-expected profits in the Ingredients division. FTSE 100 - RisersKazakhmys (KAZ) 691.00p +5.10%Royal Bank of Scotland Group (RBS) 253.50p +3.68%Vedanta Resources (VED) 1,010.00p +3.54%Antofagasta (ANTO) 1,266.00p +3.26%Marks & Spencer Group (MKS) 371.80p +2.93%CRH (CRH) 1,209.00p +2.63%Rio Tinto (RIO) 3,098.50p +2.57%Fresnillo (FRES) 1,767.00p +2.49%Anglo American (AAL) 2,009.50p +1.88%Xstrata (XTA) 1,030.00p +1.58%FTSE 100 - FallersAssociated British Foods (ABF) 1,275.00p -2.37%SABMiller (SAB) 2,717.00p -1.65%United Utilities Group (UU.) 690.00p -1.57%Glencore International (GLEN) 372.10p -1.57%Tullow Oil (TLW) 1,385.00p -1.35%Hammerson (HMSO) 462.30p -1.32%National Grid (NG.) 683.50p -1.30%Unilever (ULVR) 2,246.00p -1.27%Croda International (CRDA) 2,430.00p -1.18%British American Tobacco (BATS) 3,136.00p -1.18%NR