FTSE 100 smashes through 8,600 mark for the first time

London stocks climbed to a new record on Thursday (Yui Mok/PA) - (PA Wire)

The FTSE 100 struck a new record high after another flurry of positive earnings updates helped the index score its fourth consecutive daily rise this week.

Shell, Endeavour Mining and St James’ Place all made notable gains on the index after positive updates to investors.