Britain’s flagship stock market index, the FTSE 100, has reached a major milestone by surpassing 10,000 points for the first time in its history – a landmark moment that signals growing investor confidence in UK markets and sets a positive tone for the year ahead.
The FTSE 100, which tracks the share prices of the 100 largest companies listed on the London Stock Exchange, closed above 10,000 points this week at 10,004.57, marking an all‑time high. This achievement comes on the back of a standout 2025, when the index rose around 21.5 % (its strongest annual performance since 2009) and set record closing levels on more than 40 occasions during the year’s trading.
This milestone matters for Britain because it reflects broader global and domestic trends. International investors have been drawn to UK equities as part of a wider global market rally, boosting share prices in key sectors such as mining, defence and financial services. Companies tied to precious metals, defence contracts and international banking, many with a strong British heritage, have seen significant gains, lifting the overall index higher.
While stock market performance doesn’t tell the full story of the UK economy, a rising FTSE 100 can help attract international investment, support pension and investment portfolios, and reinforce London’s role as one of the world’s leading financial centres. Chancellor Rachel Reeves welcomed the milestone as a “vote of confidence in Britain’s economy,” highlighting how strong markets can underpin future growth and opportunity.
In addition, the surge has encouraged renewed interest in UK share listings, with more companies choosing London for IPOs – a sign that confidence isn’t just symbolic, but could translate into real economic activity and job creation.
