FTSE 100 Hits 10,000 Milestone in New Year Rally

The FTSE 100 index surpassed the 10,000-point mark for the first time on the first trading day of the year, reaching a new all-time high before closing the day at 9951. This milestone represents a significant achievement for the index, which tracks the 100 largest companies on the London Stock Exchange.

The surge was fueled by strong performances in sectors such as mining, defense, and banking, according to multiple news sources. The index's performance in 2025 saw it climb more than 21% from the previous year, when it stood at approximately 8,260.

Shares in British brands such as Currys and Next rose steeply alongside gains for precious metal miners, according to BBC Business. The rise benefited investors and potentially influencing investment strategies.

While the FTSE 100's performance is not a direct reflection of the UK economy, it remains a key indicator of market sentiment and the strength of major British companies. Despite concerns about high stock valuations in the US over the past year, the London index outperformed major American indexes in 2025, according to BBC Business.