FTSE 100 tops 7,000 for the first time in over a year after upbeat Chinese data

The FTSE 100 pushed atop 7,000 for the first time in more than a year as heavily weighted mining stocks climbed after Chinese growth data confirmed the global economy is continuing to recover. The FTSE (UK:UKX) was set to finish the week on a strong note, up 0.5% to 7,019.94. “Investor confidence in economic recovery is rising as governments roll out stimulus packages and business confidence surveys are hitting highs,” said Steve Clayton, Hargreaves Lansdown fund manager, in a note to clients.