FTSE 250 climbs 0.4% to hit record high

Indicator of UK economic strength

The FTSE 250 jumped over 0.4% in early trading to hit a fresh record high this morning lifted by Elementis, Kaz Minerals and Ashmore.

The mid-cap index was trading at 18,702 this morning, up 0.42%, while the index has been steadily rising since mid-January returning 3.4% since the start of the year. This is compared to 1.6% by the FTSE 100, according to the FT. The blue-chip index was also trading higher this morning up 0.2% to 7,254 points. In the FTSE 250, chemical group Elementis, up 6.14%, and mineral company Kaz Minerals, up 4.8%, were among the biggest risers while emerging markets investment manager Ashmore had also gained over 5%. Meanwhile, packaging firm RPC Group was down 7% after the business announce...