The UK’s biggest DIY investment platform announced it had appointed Matt Benchener to step into the top role from July.

The metal climbed by around 2% on Monday morning to a high of 4,600 US dollars (£3,415) per ounce, beating a previous record set in late December.

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Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Marks & Spencer were among those to deliver good news about their festive grocery sales.

Its share price was up by more than 8% on Friday morning.

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The banking giant separately announced it had secured shareholder backing for its plans to take Hang Seng private.

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The bakery chain, which has about 2,740 shops, said it was performing better than its competitors.

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Christmas food ranges helped lift spending over the period, the retailer said.

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