European stocks jumped to record highs UK stocks were buoyed by central bank policy meetings

European stock markets hit record highs, driven by optimism around the Federal Reserve's interest rate cuts. At the same time, the UK stock market rose as the Bank of England took another step in the direction of cutting interest rates. "The UK benchmark interest rate currently remains at 5.25%, but given that the BoE remains optimistic that inflation will fall back to target soon, rather than later, there may be more room to be optimistic about rate cuts than they are currently suggesting," said Neil Birrell, chief investment officer and fund manager at Premier Miton. ”