As the US shutdown comes to an end, UK's FTSE100 hits a record high.

Investors welcomed signs that the long-running U.S. shutdown may be ending.

The blue-chip index ended 0.1% higher and is now within striking distance of 10,000. The FTSE 250 mid-cap index was down by 0.7%.

The utilities sector led Wednesday's gains with 4%, as SSE soared 16.8% after announcing a 33 billion pound ($44.29)

five-year investment plan

Upgrade the UK's regulated electric networks and expand their renewable business.

Metal mining companies gained 1.3% in value as the copper price increased on global commodities markets.

Market sentiment improved after growing optimism that the U.S. House of Representatives could soon vote

Stop the shutdown of government

This has caused a disruption in the release of important economic data. The Federal Reserve would be better able to make future interest rate decisions if a resolution were reached.

Investment banking stocks in the UK fell by 1.7%, with 3i Group leading the way with a 3.3% loss.

Experian, a credit data specialist, fell 4.9%, despite its forecast of a 11% revenue increase for the full year, which is at the upper end of their outlook range.

Homebuilders declined 2.3%. Taylor Wimpey shares dropped nearly 4% following a report of a weaker autumn selling season, as British buyers reacted cautiously ahead of the Budget announcement.

Oil prices fell, and energy shares dropped 1%. Major oil companies BP and Shell saw their share prices drop by 1,7% and 0,7% respectively.

The market participants await the preliminary UK GDP numbers for the third quarter on Thursday. These figures will provide key insights into the economic health of the nation before the budget announcement by the government later this month.

Smithson Investment, among other stocks, rose 7% following the announcement of plans to convert assets into an open ended fund. Avon Technologies, on the other hand, jumped 6.3%, reaching a new five-year-high after an optimistic outlook for fiscal year.

(source: Reuters)