One of the London Stock Exchange’s oldest constituents is facing pressure to move its listing to the US after announcing a break-up plan. Smiths Group, the 174-year-old FTSE 100 industrial conglomerate, said it planned to spin off two of its four divisions after a strategic review.

The FTSE 100 marked another successive record close on Friday as it ended its strongest week for two years.The index continued its recent rally as it benefited from its high proportion of defensive stocks amid volatility in the tech sector,

Britain's benchmark index hit a record high on Friday and was set to log its best month in more than two years, while investors prepared for the Bank of England's rate decision next week.

Blue-chip investors had more reasons to cheer today after the FTSE 100 index set a fresh record thanks to strong sessions for Rolls-Royce, Shell and BAE Systems. London’s top flight recorded a new intraday high of 8692.

Tech stock sell off over AI investment fears and the expectation of cheaper borrowing through more interest rate cuts are boosting the Financial Times Stock Exchange (FTSE) 100.

Smiths Group propped up the FTSE 100, rising more than 14% after the opening bell following news it had responded to activist investor calls to split up its business.

London Stock Exchange Group PLC LSEG shares inched up 0.85% to £118.00 Tuesday, on what proved to be an all-around favorable trading session for the stock market, with the FTSE 100 Index UKX rising 0.

Shares of London Stock Exchange Group PLC LSEG dropped 1.22% to £117.75 Friday, on what proved to be an all-around grim trading session for the stock market, with the FTSE 100 Index UKX falling 0.73% to 8,

The FTSE 100 pushed further into record territory as trading got underway on Friday, climbing 25 points to a new all-time high of 8,671. Smiths Group (LON: SMIN) PLC surged 14.7% to head the early risers after detailing plans for a strategic shift, which it said would unlock significant value.

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Shell shares have risen 13p to 2608p as the promise of another $3.5 billion buyback offset a bigger-than-expected fall in fourth quarter profits. The results by BT Group left its shares 4% or 6.1p lower at 140p, reflecting disappointment over a 3% drop in third quarter revenues to £5.2 billion.

One of Britain’s oldest industrial manufacturers has become the latest major listed company to say it is leaving the stock market.