UPDATE: The FTSE 100 has just crossed the significant 10,000 mark, reaching 10,003.68 as trading commenced on January 5, 2026. This milestone follows a robust year for UK equities, with the index rising 0.7% in early trading.
The surge is attributed to strong performances from major companies, notably Fresnillo, which has seen a staggering 400% increase over the past year, climbing nearly 4% today. Rolls-Royce, a favorite among investors, also jumped approximately 3.5% to 1,190p.
Other notable gainers include luxury brand Burberry, which rose by around 2%, and Entain, the world’s largest sports betting firm, which saw a climb of 2.6%. This upward momentum is crucial for investors seeking stability amid ongoing market uncertainties.
Despite the positive trend, not all stocks are thriving. British American Tobacco fell over 2% to 4,127p, and both Smith and Nephew and British Land experienced slight dips of under 1% following soft house price data released this morning.
The FTSE 100 concluded 2025 at 9,923.06, marking an impressive annual gain of over 20% and achieving record closes on 41 occasions throughout the year. Commenting on this performance, Dan Coatsworth, head of markets at AJ Bell, stated, “So much for the UK being the home for old economy companies – the FTSE 100 has had precisely the ingredients desired by investors in a year full of political, trade, and market uncertainty.”
However, the year was not without its disappointments. The London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) was among the worst performers, suffering a significant 22% decline over the past year, despite a minor uptick in December. Advertising giant WPP also faced challenges, with its shares plummeting nearly 60% in 2025, resulting in its demotion from the FTSE 100 in December.
This breakthrough for the FTSE 100 is a pivotal moment for UK investors, highlighting the resilience of certain sectors amid broader market fluctuations. Investors and analysts are now closely watching these developments as the new trading year unfolds.
As the market continues to respond, all eyes will be on how these trends evolve and whether the FTSE 100 can maintain its momentum. Stay tuned for the latest updates on this developing story.
