Britain's FTSE 100 index closed at record high for the first time in more than a yeartinyarcademachinesThe index has been boosted in recent months by energy-related stocks and broader optimism that geopolitical concerns have eased.

The FTSE 100 index closed up 1tinyarcademachines.6% to 8,023.87 points, breaking the closing peak of 8,014.31 points set in February 2023. Still below the intraday high of 8047.06.

According to data compiled by agencies, the FTSE 100 index has risen about 4% so far this year, with Shell and BP Plc alone contributing nearly half of the increase. AstraZeneca, HSBC Holdings and engine maker Rolls-Royce also drove gains.

Axel Rudolph, senior market analyst at IG, said: "The devaluation of the pound has made it cheaper for international investors to buy British stocks, and the easing of the situation in the Middle East has pushed the FTSE 100 index closer to record highs."