FTSE 100 Hits Record High as Positive Corporate Results Boost Market Optimism

The FTSE 100 reached a record high, closing up 0.9% amid strong corporate earnings and optimistic prospects for a potential EU-U.S. trade agreement. The midcap FTSE 250 also saw gains, rising 0.6%.

Reckitt Benckiser led the pack, soaring 9.9% after upping its annual revenue growth forecast. ITV impressed with a 13.3% rise following better-than-expected half-year results. Meanwhile, BT Group surged 10.4% after appointing Patricia Cobian as its new CFO.

In the energy sector, BP's shares fell by 1.7% as the company shifted its focus back to oil and gas from green hydrogen projects. Despite these sectoral discrepancies, a potential EU-U.S. trade deal brought a wave of market optimism.

(With inputs from agencies.)