FTSE 100 defies gloom to strike new record closing high

The FTSE 100 has registered a new record high - signalling some cheer for UK pension funds as the economy stagnates.London's premier share index closed Thursday's session at 7787 points - a rise of 53 on the previous day as utility and retail stocks made some ground.It beat the previous record close of 7778, which was recorded in January before a stock market wobble.