FTSE 100 climbs sharply as US-focused UK firms benefit from Trump's presidency

The FTSE 100 experienced a significant rise at the start of trading today, while sterling took a hit as traders evaluated the potential impact of Donald Trump's presidency on the global economy and the UK.

London's leading index saw an increase of over 1.4 per cent in early trading, driven by a nearly six per cent surge for US-focused equipment rental company Ashtead, along with substantial increases for Barclays and IHG, as reported by City AM.

Ashtead, which generates approximately 85 per cent of its revenue from the US, has reportedly contemplated s