London’s flagship FTSE 100 index crossed the 10,000-point mark for the first time on Friday, continuing a strong rally that gathered pace last year.
In early trading on the first session of 2026, the blue-chip index home to companies such as BP, Vodafone and HSBC rose about 1.0 per cent to a record high of 10,033.75.
The milestone follows a standout performance in 2025, when the FTSE 100 climbed more than 21 per cent, its strongest annual gain in 16 years. The surge was driven largely by easing inflation and lower interest rates in the UK, alongside borrowing-cost cuts by the US Federal Reserve.
Friday’s advance was supported by further gains in Fresnillo, the gold miner whose shares soared 436 per cent last year as gold prices repeatedly hit record levels.
Global equities also enjoyed a banner year in 2025, with major stock markets worldwide reaching new highs and posting double-digit returns.
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