The FTSE 100 is flirting with the 9,000-point milestone after closing at a new record of 8,975. Market sentiment remains strong, with investors betting that Trump’s aggressive trade talk will not translate into sustained economic disruption.
The index’s rise was powered by gains in mining and defense stocks. Anglo American, Glencore, and Rio Tinto jumped as copper prices moved higher, while BAE Systems and Babcock benefited from expected boosts in military spending.
Investors appear largely unconcerned by Trump’s threats to impose steep tariffs on imports starting in August. Market participants have grown accustomed to the pattern of threats followed by delays or walk-backs.
This ignore and investmindset has fueled optimism across Europe, with Germany’s DAX also reaching record levels. Analysts suggest that investors are focusing more on economic fundamentals than on headline politics.