The British mid-cap stock index rose to a record high on Tuesday, helped by gains in industrials and consumer discretionary stocks, while an upbeat reading on factory activity infused confidence on the economic recovery. The domestically focused mid-cap FTSE 250 index (.FTMC) advanced 0.8% as a deluge of new orders helped drive a record increase in British manufacturing activity last month as the economy began to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. read more The blue-chip index (.FTSE) climbed 0.8%, with base metal miners (.FTNMX551020) gaining 3.7% as they tracked higher copper and iron ore prices. Oil majors BP (BP.L) and Royal Dutch Shell (RDSa.L) added more than 1.2% each after Brent crude topped $70-mark on favourable demand outlook. "UK markets has been the big beneficiary of inflation trade since it is a heavily weighted market with the commodity sector. At the same time, it’s underperforming when compared to the rest of Europe," said Keith Temperton, a sales trader at Forte Securities. "With talks going around about a delay in reopening, developments related to COVID-19 will be keenly watched by the markets." Mortgage lender Nationwide said British house prices jumped by an annual 10.9%, the most in nearly seven years, apparently set to accelerate further as people seek new homes after the pandemic. read more The wider homebuilders index (.FTNMX402020) rose 2.1%. The FTSE 100 index has traded in a tight range since April as concerns grew that central banks might pare support early as economies reopen and inflation climbs. Among other stocks, Wickes Group (WIX.L) added 4.7% after the do-it-yourself retailer said its full-year profit would be in the upper half of analyst expectations after sales surged in April.[nL5N2NJ155] M&C Saatchi (SAA.L) jumped 12.1% after the advertising agency forecast upbeat annual results on new robust campaigns. [nL3N2NJ1NS] Travel food group SSP Group (SSPG.L) rose 3.0% after Peel Hunt upgraded the stock to "add" on potential growth from European air market opening. [nL3N2NJ1NQ] Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.