Stocks up on hopes of thaw to Middle East tension

The FTSE 100 index closed up 24.59 points, 0.3%, at 8,875.22, just shy of its record closing peak of 8,884.92 posted last Thursday and the all-time high of 8,908.82, recorded in March (John Stillwell/PA) - (PA Archive)

The FTSE 100 ended higher on Monday, just shy of a record closing high, on reports Iran is willing to resume nuclear talks with the US.

The FTSE 100 index closed up 24.59 points, 0.3%, at 8,875.22, just shy of its record closing peak of 8,884.92 posted last Thursday and the all-time high of 8,908.82, recorded in March.