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FTSE 100 surges to record high FTSE 100 index surges to an all-time record of 7,000
(about 2 months later)
(Close): London's FTSE 100 index of the largest publicly traded companies closed at an all-time high of 7,022.51 points, up 0.86%.(Close): London's FTSE 100 index of the largest publicly traded companies closed at an all-time high of 7,022.51 points, up 0.86%.
The record FTSE 100 value capped five days of gains, while the pound also regained lost ground against the dollar.The record FTSE 100 value capped five days of gains, while the pound also regained lost ground against the dollar.
Shares in building suppliers CRH jumped 5% on news that the proposed merger between Lafarge and Holcim is back on.Shares in building suppliers CRH jumped 5% on news that the proposed merger between Lafarge and Holcim is back on.
A deal puts CRH back in the running to pick up certain Lafarge assets.A deal puts CRH back in the running to pick up certain Lafarge assets.
On the currency markets, the pound was up 1.41% against the dollar at $1.4964, but down 0.38% against the euro at €1.3794.On the currency markets, the pound was up 1.41% against the dollar at $1.4964, but down 0.38% against the euro at €1.3794.
The pound's renewed rise against the dollar came after markets shrugged off "personal" remarks by a Bank of England official that interest rates could fall as well as rise.The pound's renewed rise against the dollar came after markets shrugged off "personal" remarks by a Bank of England official that interest rates could fall as well as rise.
"The market has been buoyed by dovish comments from the US central bank, better than expected economic data from the eurozone and a UK Budget which reined in spending cuts," said Laith Khalaf, a senior analyst at stockbroker Hargreaves Lansdown."The market has been buoyed by dovish comments from the US central bank, better than expected economic data from the eurozone and a UK Budget which reined in spending cuts," said Laith Khalaf, a senior analyst at stockbroker Hargreaves Lansdown.
"The FTSE 100 was finally carried over the 7,000 line by the mining companies, who once again underlined their importance to the health of the headline UK index.""The FTSE 100 was finally carried over the 7,000 line by the mining companies, who once again underlined their importance to the health of the headline UK index."
Metals firm Fresnillo gained 4% after Thursday's 5% gain.Metals firm Fresnillo gained 4% after Thursday's 5% gain.
CRH, Ireland's biggest building suppliers, was the biggest gainer on news that the Lafarge cement merger is back on.CRH, Ireland's biggest building suppliers, was the biggest gainer on news that the Lafarge cement merger is back on.
The Cac 40 in Paris gained 1% to 5,087.49 points and Frankfurt's Dax 30 advanced 1.18% to 12,039.37 points.The Cac 40 in Paris gained 1% to 5,087.49 points and Frankfurt's Dax 30 advanced 1.18% to 12,039.37 points.
European stock markets have seen inflated valuations following a bond-buying programme from the European Central Bank, aimed at boosting growth in the European economy.European stock markets have seen inflated valuations following a bond-buying programme from the European Central Bank, aimed at boosting growth in the European economy.