FTSE spurred to new record by Persimmon's bullish update

By Alistair Smout LONDON (Reuters) - FTSE 100 index rose to a fresh record high on Thursday, boosted by a bullish update from housebuilder Persimmon , which reported a rise in sales despite Britain's vote to leave the European Union. Britain's FTSE 100 touched a new record at 7,211.96 as it gained in early trading. The index has hit fresh record highs in three of the last four sessions.