Stock of the month: BHP Billiton

BHP Billiton is one of the world's largest mining companies, focussing on precious metals which is helping to drive the emerging economy of China.

The blue line, rising dramatically recently, shows BHP Billiton's share price compared with the FTSE100. We bought these shares at 363 pence in September 2003: they are now worth 1390 pence, a gain of 214%.