FTSE 100 reaches record high as cooling inflation boosts rate cut hopes
London's blue-chip index hit a fresh peak today as slowing inflation bolstered expectations for a March rate cut. Mining and defence stocks led the gains.
Insights:
The FTSE 100 closed at a fresh peak of 10,686.18 points on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, marking a record high for a second straight day. The surge in the United Kingdom 
GB followed signs of cooling inflation, which significantly bolstered market expectations for an imminent interest rate cut by the Bank of England. This shift in sentiment prompted widespread inflows into UK equities, lifting major indices across the board.
GB followed signs of cooling inflation, which significantly bolstered market expectations for an imminent interest rate cut by the Bank of England. This shift in sentiment prompted widespread inflows into UK equities, lifting major indices across the board.
