London's blue-chip FTSE 100 hit a record high on Monday for the second session in a row as investors awaited Donald Trump's return to the White House for fresh insights on his stance on tariffs and international relations.

The FTSE 100 index surged to a record high of 8,480.57 points in early trading, surpassing its previous peak of 8,474 points set in May 2024. A three-day rally, bolstered by unexpectedly low UK inflation figures and optimism surrounding potential interest rate cuts,

London stocks advanced on Friday as the pound fell following a retail sales reading that boosted expectations of a Bank of England interest rate cut next month, with the blue-chip FTSE 100 hitting all-time highs.