FX.co ★ FTSE 100 Trades at Record Levels

On Wednesday, the FTSE 100 rose as it marked its second consecutive close above the 9,000-point threshold, buoyed by positive developments in US trade negotiations. Market sentiment was bolstered by the US and Japan striking a trade agreement that imposes a 15% tariff, a significant reprieve from the expected 25% tariff rate. The agreement also outlines a substantial $550 billion fund dedicated to investments in the US. Informa was at the forefront of the day's gains, surging 3.5%, following an upward revision of its full-year underlying revenue growth forecast to over 6%, propelled by a 20% increase in revenue and stronger-than-anticipated margins in the first half of the year. Additionally, Informa unveiled plans for £150 million in further share buybacks. Major players like AstraZeneca (up 2.5%), Shell (1%), BP (1%), GSK (1.6%), and Diageo (1.7%) also contributed positively to the index's performance. Conversely, Fresnillo took a hit, dropping over 3.5%, after reiterating its silver production guidance while noting reduced contributions from Silverstream and decreased ore grades at its primary mine.