FTSE 100 outshines with a record close above 8,500

The FTSE 100 did as expected on Friday and lifted further above 8,500, as advocated here beforehand. The index reached 8,533.43, before handing back some gains into the weekly close. Nevertheless, it avoided a drop below that 8,500 handle and just managed to set a record daily and weekly close, at 8,505.22. So, the FTSE was the best performing major European index on Friday, despite a fresh record close for the DAX as well. There will be more to add on that a little later. The FTSE 100 put on 1.35%. The DAX gained 1.20% and the CAC brought up the rear with a 0.98% rise. This morning the Asian markets are virtually all higher, led by gains across China, but that has not lifted the FTSE 100 futures. So, right now a slightly lower opening is being priced for later this morning. The FTSE 100 is right now priced to reopen around 8,485