Sustained falls on global energy markets took the wholesale cost of gas in the UK to its lowest level since December 2021 on Monday, The drop raised hopes that inflation rates could have peaked in a trend that could ease the worst of the cost-of-living crisis.
Record-breaking territory for the FTSE 100 index continues to be in focus after a better-than-expected start to the year for London shares.
The blue-chip index opened the week just 33 points off its all-time closing level, having rallied by more than 5% so far in 2023.
The improved performance reflects declining rates of inflation in the US and the eurozone, as well as encouragement from recent corporate trading updates.
