The FTSE 250 index has surpassed its pre-EU referendum level as positive economic data helped boost sentiment.
In early trading the index reached 17,356.94, above the level of 17,333.51 recorded at the close of June 23 before the result of last month’s referendum was known.
The index has been boosted by yesterday’s unexpected GDP figures that showed the UK economy grew 0.6 per cent in the second quarter of 2016.
In addition the FTSE 100 index has also moved higher, up 0.1 per cent in early trading to 6,754.71, with European markets also in a buoyant mood with the French Cac 40 index up 0.6 per cent and the German Dax gaining 0.6 per cent.
US markets were more subdued following the Federal Reserve decision to hold interest rates, with the S&P 500 index closing 0.1 per cent lower and the Dow Jones Industrial Average remaining flat.
In Asia the Nikkei 225 index slipped 1.1 per cent ahead of the next Bank of Japan statement tomorrow, while the Hang Seng index in Hong Kong declined 0.4 per cent while the Shanghai Composite index in China bucked the trend with a slight gain of 0.1 per cent.
