BUZZ-LSE: more-bullish brokers propel stock to fresh record high

** London Stock Exchange (Other OTC: LDNXF - news) rises to new all-time peak as brokers' bullishness on stock steps up a notch.

** Citi upgrades LSE to "buy" vs "neutral" & lifts TP to 2,400p, Morgan Stanley (Xetra: 885836 - news) adds stock to its most-preferred list.

** Stock up 35 pct this year, fighting close race for best performing stock exchange operator globally with HKEx (HKSE: 0388-OL.HK - news) . Chart: http://link.reuters.com/kur43w

** Global stock exchange valuations: http://link.reuters.com/xur43w

** Citi raises prospects of further capital returns assuming LSE decides to sell Russell's Investment management business following strategic review and pays down debt.

** Success of LCH.Clearnet & healthy primary markets activity have underpinned earnings.

** Morgan Stanley adds stock to most preferred list citing potential for outsized capital return from potential sale of Russell asset mgmt business (RM (LSE: RM.L - news) : tricia.wright1.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net; RM: vikram.subhedar.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net)