Markets buoyant as FTSE opens above 7,000 for first time

The FTSE 100 remained above the 7,000 mark early on Monday after closing at a fresh record high last week.

The UK's blue-chip index closed at a record high above 7,000 on Friday, boosted by a dovish tone from the Federal Reserve, a UK Budget which reined in spending cuts, and stronger performance from mining stocks. Monday's open saw the FTSE trading fairly flat around the 7,018 mark. US stocks also closed higher on Friday, with the Dow up 0.94% to 18,127, and the S&P 500 up 0.9% to 2,108 as the Federal Reserve seemed in no rush to raise rates, while the dollar weakened slightly. Asian markets also posted gains, extending six-month highs, while European equities performed well, despite ...