AstraZeneca lifts FTSE 100 to record high; BOE rate decision on tap

London's FTSE on Wednesday 100 stock index soared to unprecedented levels, buoyed by AstraZeneca's strong performance. The pharmaceutical company's global decision to halt its COVID-19 vaccine distribution drove market optimism. Meanwhile, investors eagerly anticipated the Bank of England's announcement on interest rates. By 07:07 GMT, the blue-chip FTSE 100 edged up 0.4% at 8,345.31 to climb another all-time peak.