<p><em>By Lisa Pham</em></p><p>AstraZeneca Plc’s market value surged above $257 billion for the first time after a big bet on cancer drugs helped drive a rally in the shares.</p><p>Shares climbed as much as 0.5 per cent on Wednesday, extending an advance this year to 22 per cent. The firm’s market value closed above £200 billion for the first time on Tuesday.</p>.AstraZeneca's Covid prevention drug application gets EU fast-track assessment.<p>AstraZeneca is the UK’s most valuable listed company, having kept a lead over Shell Plc since April, and is ranked seventh in Europe by market value in dollar terms. </p><p>“Its growth has been steady rather than showy, with the potential for advances in cancer treatment, and in some cases weight-loss drugs, attracting investor attention,” said Danni Hewson, head of financial analysis at AJ Bell. “It’s also a boon for London markets, which have been fighting to maintain their relevance.”</p>
<p><em>By Lisa Pham</em></p><p>AstraZeneca Plc’s market value surged above $257 billion for the first time after a big bet on cancer drugs helped drive a rally in the shares.</p><p>Shares climbed as much as 0.5 per cent on Wednesday, extending an advance this year to 22 per cent. The firm’s market value closed above £200 billion for the first time on Tuesday.</p>.AstraZeneca's Covid prevention drug application gets EU fast-track assessment.<p>AstraZeneca is the UK’s most valuable listed company, having kept a lead over Shell Plc since April, and is ranked seventh in Europe by market value in dollar terms. </p><p>“Its growth has been steady rather than showy, with the potential for advances in cancer treatment, and in some cases weight-loss drugs, attracting investor attention,” said Danni Hewson, head of financial analysis at AJ Bell. “It’s also a boon for London markets, which have been fighting to maintain their relevance.”</p>