The FTSE 100 rose 0.3% to trade around the 10,500 mark on Tuesday, extending gains for a third consecutive session and reaching a fresh record high. Weak labour market data fuelled expectations of another interest rate cut by the Bank of England. The unemployment rate unexpectedly climbed to 5.2% in the three months to December, the highest level since 2021, while wage growth slowed to multi-year lows. A decline in payrolls also pointed to “weak hiring activity,” according to ONS Director of Economic Statistics Liz McKeown. RELX (3.3%), Experian (2.1%) and Pearson (2%) were among the top performers. Housebuilders Persimmon and Berkeley added 1.5%, as hopes of a March rate cut improved the outlook for mortgage affordability. On the earnings front, BHP climbed nearly 2% after reporting a profit beat, while InterContinental Hotels edged up 0.2% on stronger full-year profit and revenue. In contrast, Antofagasta fell 3% after its annual results disappointed investors.