FTSE 100 share index hits record high; relief for Rachel Reeves as UK borrowing costs fall – as it happened

Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial news, as Britain's blue chip share index hits new peak of 8533 points

The FTSE 100 has hit a record high after a strong start to the year.

Since the beginning of January, the index has climbed by 3.75%, adding to the 5.7% it gained during the whole of 2024.