UK stock market today: FTSE 100 hits record close as miners climb; St James’s Place sinks on AI fears

The FTSE 100 set a new record close on Wednesday, gaining 118.27 points, or 1.1%, to finish at 10,472.11—topping its previous high of 10,402.34 from Feb. 4. Miners and banks pushed the benchmark higher, but wealth managers felt pressure from renewed AI concerns. Meanwhile, the FTSE 250, which tracks more UK-focused firms, slipped 0.2%, losing 52.76 points to end at 23,416.54.