1. FTSE etches new record high
The FTSE 100 reached a new all-time intraday high above 8,780 and also finished the session with another record close.
2. Gold price also sets new record
Gold miners Endeavour and Fresnillo were one of the key drivers for the London index as gold prices surged past $2,900 per ounce on Monday, setting multiple record highs possibly due to tariff uncertainty.
3. BP boosted as activist Elliott expected to shake things up
BP PLC shares climbed over 7% on reports that activist investor Elliott Investment Management has taken a stake in the company, increasing pressure for strategic and leadership changes a day ahead of the company's results and with a major strategy update due later in the month.
4. Trump tariffs add to volatility
Donald Trump announced plans to impose a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminium imports into the United States, hitting some stocks and boosting others.
5. Light Science inks distribution deal
Among small caps, shares in Light Science Technologies were in demand after the company signed a new distribution agreement to expand its presence in the UK and Europe.