The FTSE 100 has hit 7,000 points for the first time since it the pandemic crash.
The blue-chip index surged 0.5% to 7024 points during morning trading on Friday.
Top risers this morning included Evraz (+2.7%), Mondi (+2.4%), Barclays (+2.2%) Anglo American (+1.5%) and Antofagasta (+1.3%).
Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, commented: “This represents a massive milestone in recovering from the terrible pandemic and shows how investors’ confidence has completely changed since just over a year ago.
“The market was understandably shocked as the coronavirus gripped the world but in true investor style it has quickly focused on the future and the ability for corporate earnings to recover.
“FTSE 100 miners and oil producers were in demand on Friday following new data that showed China’s economy jumped by 18.3% in the first quarter of 2021, led by strong industrial output. Household consumption is expected to improve as the year progresses,” he added.