FTSE steadies near record high, Next slumps

By Helen Reid and Kit Rees LONDON (Reuters) - FTSE 100 index closed slightly firmer and near a record high on Wednesday as a rally in housebuilders was offset by a slump in retailers after Next issued a profit warning. The bluechip FTSE 100 index closed 0.17 percent higher at 7,189.74 points, having touched an all-time high of 7,205.45 in the previous session. Next hit a two-month low and closed 14.4 percent weaker after the retailer cut its profit guidance for the current financial year and war