The reaction in the DAX to the better than expected German IFO data has now seen the index rise above the 18,200 mark for the first time ever. Meanwhile, it is onwards and upwards for the FTSE 100. The UK benchmark has now further extended its rise above 7,900. Increasingly, it looks like 8,000 is well and truly on the immediate radar for this index. The shot in the arm it received yesterday is a game changer for the FTSE and of course the prospect of a sooner than previously envisaged UK rate cut has bought this index back into favour, where none as been evident for many months. The FTSE 100 is currently trading at 7,943