FTSE 100 Surpasses 10,000 for the First Time as 2026 Begins
The FTSE 100 index rose above the 10,000 mark for the first time on the opening trading day of 2026, reaching an intraday high of 10,046 before closing at 9,951. This milestone came after a strong 2025, during which the index gained more than 21%, climbing from approximately 8,260 at the start of the year to finish at 9,931, repeatedly hitting record highs.
The FTSE 100, which tracks the 100 largest London-listed companies, experienced gains driven by UK brands such as Currys and Next, as well as stronger performances from gold and silver miners, defence, and financial services stocks. Despite tracking UK companies, the index is not a direct reflection of the UK economy, as around three-quarters of their revenues are generated abroad.
The surge above 10,000 happened as trading resumed following the New Year holiday, with the index rising more than 1% in the first hour before retreating slightly. Analysts highlighted this level as a psychologically important milestone, pointing to renewed investor appetite amid concerns surrounding US tech valuations.
Dan Coatsworth from AJ Bell noted that crossing the 10,000 threshold represents a New Year's gift for Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who has been encouraging greater investment in UK shares. The Chancellor described the breakthrough as a vote of confidence in Britain's economy and a strong start to the year 2026.
Among notable 2025 performers were Next and Burberry, while laggards included Greggs, which declined about 39%, along with Diageo and WH Smith.
