The UK’s FTSE 100 index has reached a historic milestone by exceeding the 10,000-point mark for the first time, occurring shortly after the market opened on the first trading day of the new year. This event reflects strong investor confidence and a buoyant economic outlook. The index, which includes the 100 most valuable companies on the London Stock Exchange, hit an intraday high of 10,046.3 points early in the trading session. The noteworthy increase follows a remarkable 21.5% rise over the past year, marking the index’s best annual performance since 2009.
Key sectors contributing to this growth include mining, defense, and financial services, with precious metal producer Fresnillo notably leading the rally by increasing its share price by around 4%. Analysts credit the FTSE 100’s robust performance to several factors, such as expectations of interest rate cuts and a weaker pound, which enhance the competitiveness of UK companies. Additionally, government policies promoting investment over traditional savings have supported the market’s upward trend.
This milestone is a significant positive for Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who has been advocating for greater investment in the stock market. Dan Coatsworth, head of markets at AJ Bell, remarked that surpassing the 10,000 level is “the best New Year’s present” for the Chancellor, highlighting the potential benefits of investing in UK shares. Overall, this achievement signifies the resilience and growth potential of the UK’s stock market, making it an attractive option for both domestic and international investors.
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