Britain's benchmark share index closed at a record high on Friday and logged its best month in more than two years, while investors prepared for the Bank of England's rate decision next week. The blue-chip FTSE 100 hit an all-time high of 8,

Tech stock sell off over AI investment fears and the expectation of cheaper borrowing through more interest rate cuts are boosting the Financial Times Stock Exchange (FTSE) 100.

BT and Shell shares are in the spotlight at the start of the FTSE 100 results season. The oil giant boosted shareholder returns despite weaker earnings, while BT shares came under pressure amid disappointing revenue trends.

Britain's benchmark index closed at record peak on Thursday as investors cheered a healthy set of corporate updates, while a surge in precious metal miners also boosted the index.

WH Smith has reported “strong momentum” in its travel business after sales in the division rose 6% on a like-for-like basis in the 21 weeks to 25 January. This figure included a 7% rise in the UK travel estate and 3% in North America.

Dowlais shares are down about 25% over the past 12 months, as it was caught up in a broader downturn in the car industry.

Britain's benchmark index touched a record high on Thursday as investors cheered a healthy set of corporate updates, while comments by U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell also soothed markets. The blue-chip FTSE 100 touched a record-high and is set to log its fourth straight session of gains.

U.K. stocks are up in positive territory Friday morning, and the benchmark FTSE 100 looks set to end the month with a strong gain, as

UK house price growth slowed at the start of the year, according to data from lender Nationwide Building Society.

The UK's main stock indexes closed higher on Wednesday boosted by gains in the technology and financial sectors, while the pound slipped after Finance Minister Rachel Reeves's dovish remarks on resetting ties with the European Union and the United States.

Smiths Group propped up the FTSE 100, rising more than 14% after the opening bell following news it had responded to activist investor calls to split up its business.

The FTSE 100 pushed further into record territory as trading got underway on Friday, climbing 25 points to a new all-time high of 8,671. Smiths Group (LON: SMIN) PLC surged 14.7% to head the early risers after detailing plans for a strategic shift, which it said would unlock significant value.