Global markets open 2026 higher

GLOBAL stock markets began 2026 on a positive note, with major indices in Britain and South Korea reaching record levels as investor optimism around artificial intelligence extended into the New Year.

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In early European trading yesterday, London's FTSE 100 climbed 1% to an intraday high of 10,033.94, marking the first time the index crossed the 10,000 level. Gains were led by precious metals miners, with Fresnillo rising 5.7% and Anglo American advancing 1.5%, supported by recent strength in gold, silver and copper prices.

Germany's DAX rose 0.5% to 24,619.41, while France's CAC 40 gained 0.8% to 8,213.59.

US equity futures also pointed higher, with S&P 500 futures up 0.6% and Dow Jones Industrial Average futures gaining 0.2%.