Markets: FTSE 100 closes at a record high

published 25 February 2015

FTSE 100 up 0.5% to 6,949
Gold down 0.1% to $1,200.44/oz
£/$ - 1.5454

Mining stocks were the best performers. BHP Billiton topped the index with a 6.2% rise, while Anglo American, Fresnillo and Antofagasta gained between 3.3% and 3%.

In European markets, the Paris CAC 40 rose 0.5% to 4,886, and the German Xetra Dax added 0.7% to 11,205.

In the US, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.5% to 18,209, the S&P 500 added 0.3% to 2,115, and the Nasdaq Composite was 0.1% higher at 4,968.

Subscribe to MoneyWeek

Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE

Get 6 issues free

https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/mw70aro6gl1676370748.jpg

Sign up to Money Morning

Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter

Overnight in Japan, the Nikkei 225 fell 0.1% to 18,585, and the broader Topix index slipped one point to 1,507. And in China, the Shanghai Composite fell 0.6% to 3,228, and the CSI 300 slid 1.2% to 3,478.

Brent spot was trading at $58.80 early today, and in New York, crude oil was at $49.20. Spot gold was trading at $1,210 an ounce, silver was at $16.53 and platinum was at $1,168.

In the forex markets this morning, sterling was trading against the US dollar at 1.5518 and against the euro at 1.3637. The dollar was trading at 0.8788 against the euro and 118.78 against the Japanese yen.

And today, online retailer AO World warned that profits for the year to the end of March will be "slightly below market expectations". It said a temporary growth in sales from the publicity surrounding its share flotation a year ago distorted its projections for the year. Shares slid by over 45% in early trading today.

David Stevenson, former MoneyWeek writer and director of The Fleet Street Letter, believessilver could be about to start a record climb. Click here(capital at risk)to read about the three irresistible forces David believes could push the price of silver through the roof.

MoneyWeek is written by a team of experienced and award-winning journalists, plus expert columnists. As well as daily digital news and features, MoneyWeek also publishes a weekly magazine, covering investing and personal finance. From share tips, pensions, gold to practical investment tips - we provide a round-up to help you make money and keep it.