Investors nervous at what the US strikes on Syria could mean caused a flight to the safe haven of gold on Friday.

Randgold Resources was the biggest beneficiary of Donald Trump’s decision to launch military action, with its shares shooting to the top of the FTSE 100 leaderboard, rising 4.3pc to £74.10 as they sought security in the precious metal, itself 1.1pc higher at $1,266 an ounce as the London market shut. Mid-cap gold miners Centamin and Polymetal also got a push, adding 3.1pc to 184.8p and 2.8pc to £10.64 respectively.

Back among the blue-chips Fresnillo, the world’s largest producer of silver, was another big gainers, adding 1.9pc to £16.24.

Other stocks on the rise following the missile strikes included defence group BAE Systems, gaining 2.4pc to 649p, and mid-cap peers Cobham, 3.1pc higher at 141.6p in a rare boost for the struggling business, and Meggitt, 0.8pc better at 445.5p.

Energy companies Royal Dutch Shell and BP, both climbed, adding 1.7pc and 1.3pc better respectively at £22.45 and 470p.

Oil prices spiked 2pc in early trading as traders reacted to news of the military action and the possibility of a squeeze on supplies. However, oil could not hold on to the gain as a weak US jobs report dented confidence in the strength of the American economy.

On the other side of equation were the airlines, who traditionally take a hit when shooting starts. EasyJet was the worst performer in the FTSE 100, diving 1.6pc to £10.43, though some of the decline was a reaction to the previous day’s news that March passenger numbers were up more than 10pc on a year ago. British Airways parent IAG retreated 0.4pc 523.5p.