(Reuters) -Strong results from AstraZeneca helped London's blue-chip index notch a record close on Thursday, while a dovish majority behind the Bank of England's move to deliver a 25-basis-point interest rate cut fuelled bets of more to come.

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London's blue-chip index jumped to a record high on Thursday, lifted by shares of AstraZeneca after upbeat results and ahead of an anticipated rate cut from the Bank of England later in the day.AstraZeneca was one of the top gainers on the FTSE 100,

AstraZeneca's strong results boosted the FTSE 100 to a record close, aided by the Bank of England's rate cut. The BoE's decision, fueled by dovish sentiments, also saw expectations for further cuts rise.

The FTSE 100 index is set to make a swift return towards record territory after IG Index futures forecast a rise of 58 points at the opening bell. The gain follows yesterday’s advance of 53 points to 8623 as the top flight clawed back earlier losses caused by America’s 25% trade tariffs on Mexico and Canada. The record high is 8692.

British stocks were set to fall for the third straight session on Wednesday, as a stronger pound put pressure on the export-heavy index, while caution prevailed ahead of the Bank of England's rate decision.