UK's FTSE 100 hits record closing high on energy boost

(Reuters) -London's FTSE 100 recorded its highest-ever close on Thursday, outshining European peers on a boost from energy shares and some earnings-driven moves, though concerns about simmering geopolitical developments kept gains in check.

The benchmark FTSE 100 ended 0.2% higher at 8884.92 points, while the midcap index dipped 0.2%.

Heavyweight energy shares were among the top gaining sub-sectors, adding 1.4%. Healthcare shares climbed 1.2%.

Precious metal miners advanced 3.2%, tracking higher gold prices as investors moved into the traditional safe haven asset.

Global risk sentiment remained in check after U.S. President Donald Trump said U.S. personnel were being moved out of the Middle East because "it could be a dangerous place," adding that the United States would not allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon.

The rest of Europe lagged, with bourses in Germany, France, Spain and the continent-wide STOXX 600 all closing lower.

Trade concerns remained front and centre as China on Thursday affirmed a trade deal announced by Trump, bringing a delicate truce in a trade war between the world's two largest economies.

In individual stocks, Tesco gained 1.6% after Britain's biggest food retailer reported a better-than-expected pick-up in underlying sales growth in its first quarter and won market share from rivals.

Health and safety device maker Halma added 3.3% after it forecast higher revenue growth for fiscal year 2026 and beat annual profit expectations.

On the data front, Britain's economy slowed sharply in April, reflecting shockwaves from Trump's tariffs and a one-off hit from the end of a tax break on property sales.

(Reporting by Purvi Agarwal and Shashwat Chauhan in Bengaluru; Editing by Shailesh Kuber)