Proactive Investors - FTSE 100 futures have the blue-chip index hitting another all-time high when markets open today, after smashing records on Tuesday.
The index has closed at record highs for two days running, as a combination of interest rate optimism and a pause in Middle East tensions set the stock market alight.
Markets today will be looking at the CBI Business Optimism Index for an update on manufacturing optimism in the UK.
This quarterly gauge deteriorated to -15 in the fourth quarter of 2023, the lowest in one year, but forecasts expect a recovery in the first-quarter print.
Lloyds Banking Group PLC (LON:LLOY) kicks off the quarterly banking earnings season amid share price upgrades across the sector.
Futures contracts have the footsie opening 46 points higher at 8,093.