The FTSE 100 index of leading UK shares hit a new record of 10,000 points on the first full day of trading this year, hitting an intraday high of 10,051.
Investors were encouraged by signs of a recovery in the economy as the S&P Global UK Manufacturing PMI (purchasing managers index) increased to 50.6 in December, its highest level in more than a year, from 50.2 in November.
A reading over 50 is taken to mean the economy is expanding, while a reading below 50 means the economy is contracting, and today’s reading suggests activity is picking up steam.
Meanwhile, a weaker pound also helped lift the index as most big-cap companies are geared to export markets such as the US and Asia where they make most of their sales.
Image: Investing.com
Major gainers and losers
| Gainers | Losers | ||
| Intercontinental Hotels | +32.8% | Endeavour Mining | -4.4% |
| Metlen | +4.9% | Pearson | -2.9% |
| Melrose | +3.7% | Games Workshop | -2.8% |
| Rolls-Royce | +3.5% | Coca-Cola Europacific | -2.7% |
| Burberry | +3.4% | Sage Group | -2.2% |
