Britain's FTSE 100 index closed at record high for the first time in more than a yearminibaccarattableThe 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 1minibaccarattable.6% to 8,023minibaccarattable.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.

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