The FTSE 100 has pushed through the 4800 barrier for the first time since early October last year as optimism around the economic recovery continues to boost share buying.
A pick-up in Chinese shares overnight has boosted sentiment among equity traders and the index of London-listed bluechips is up 51.7 points, or 1.1%, at 4808.3 at 12.55pm UK time. That mirrors gains in other European stock indices and US stockmarket futures, which point to a strong start on Wall Street.
The FTSE 100 was last above 4800 on October 6 last year. The index is now up 37% since its low point in early March this year. It has risen for four straight sessions so far this week, although trading is thin with many market players away on summer breaks.
Insurers are among the main drivers for today's gains with demand for life insurance stocks boosted by a note from Goldman Sachs.
