Update: FTSE shows 'considerable legs' with tenth closing high

Boost from weaker sterling on Brexit fears

The FTSE 100 extended its longest run of record closing highs on Wednesday, when the index recorded its tenth consecutive gain on the back of further sterling weakness, and better than expected sales figures from retailers.

Despite falls in the afternoon, the index closed up 15.5 points, or 0.2%, to 7,290.5 hitting a fresh record high at the end of the trading session for the tenth consecutive day. Stronger Christmas sales at Sainsbury's boosted the index while BT, Dixons Carphone, Worldpay and Anglo American were among the top risers. This record-breaking run, which began when markets reopened after Christmas on 28 December, is the longest since the index's inception in 1984. As well as its tenth consecutive all-time closing high, the FTSE 100 also registered its 12th successive daily gain in a row, ...