LONDON, July 15, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - London's benchmark FTSE 100 stocks index reached above 9,000 points for the first time on Tuesday, as top UK companies benefit from optimism over US tariffs.

In early trading, the index featuring the likes of energy giant Shell, banking group HSBC and telecoms company Vodafone, hit a record high at 9,016.98 points before easing back under 9,000.