The FTSE 100 paused for breath on Thursday after the drama of Wednesday’s Budget as US markets shut for Thanksgiving.

“UK assets continue to hold up well in the wake of the budget,” said IG analyst Chris Beauchamp, adding that “the day has been one of drift for global indices without US liquidity, but the rebound from last week’s lows remains intact”.

The FTSE 100 index closed up just 2.35 points at 9,693.93.

The FTSE 250 gained 205.95 points, 0.9%, at 22,091.47, and the AIM All-Share closed up 5.73 points, 0.8%, at 748.99.

Wednesday’s Budget continued to provoke debate with analysts welcoming the increased fiscal headroom delivered by the Chancellor but suggesting important questions remain unanswered.

Citi’s Callum McLaren-Stewart said: “The fiscal position was better than antic

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