Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial news
Good morning, and welcome to our rolling coverage of business, the financial markets and the world economy.
The London stock market is ending its strongest year since the aftermath of the financial crisis at record levels.
2025 has been a very strong year for the FTSE 100 – the blue-chip index of UK stocks has climbed by over 21% since the start of January, which would be its best year since 2009.
Last night, the index ended the day at a new closing high of 9,940 points, after touching a new peak of 9,954 points, as a burst of ‘Santa rally’ excitement rippled through the City.
