London’s blue-chip FTSE 100 hit a record high on Monday for the second session in a row as investors awaited Donald Trump’s return to the White House for fresh insights on his stance on tariffs and international relations.
The FTSE 100 index of top British firms (.FTSE), opens new tab ended up 0.2% at a fresh closing peak, though off its intraday high. Trading volumes were thin due to a U.S. market holiday.
Trump, who has pledged to sign a flurry of executive orders concerning immigration, energy and tariffs on his first day in office, is being sworn in as U.S. president.
Traders have been concerned that his threats of tariffs on China and other countries would stoke inflation and weigh on global growth. There was a sense of relief in global markets on Monday after Trump was quoted as saying he would not impose U.S. tariffs yet at his inauguration.
Also in focus this week is the annual gathering of government and business leaders in Davos, Switzerland, as well as earnings reports.
