The FTSE 100 closed 0.6% higher at 10.208 on Tuesday, gaining fresh traction to approach the record high touched earlier in the month on strong support from heavyweight banks and pharmaceutical companies. HSBC stocks rose close to 3% to set the pace for lenders while Barclays, NatWest, and Lloyds rose close to 2%, benefiting from a pullback in Gilt yields that may benefit future credit activity. Meanwhile, GSK advanced 1.9% and AstraZeneca shares increased 1% on a positive session for drug producers. On the other hand, Fresnillo and Endeavor lost 7% and 3.5%, respectively, on uncertainty around how bullion prices will develop following their surges so far this year.