The FTSE 100 smashed through the psychologically important 10,000 level on the first day of trading in 2026 as familiar names got off to a strong start to the new year.
After flirting with the 10,000 in the final days of 2025, the FTSE 100 made a convincing move through the key level in the early hours of trade on Friday, before falling back.
“It’s time to break out the champagne as UK stock markets have delivered a New Year’s treat,” said Dan Coatsworth, head of markets at AJ Bell.
“The FTSE 100 hit the 10,000 jackpot level immediately after rounding off a tremendous year for UK shares. This is a historic moment and already makes 2026 one of the most significant years for the blue-chip index since its launch in 1984.
“Breaking through the 10,000 level is the best New Year’s present Chancellor Rachel Reeves could want. She has been banging the drum about the merits of investing over parking cash in the bank, and the FTSE 100’s achievements just go to show what’s possible when buying UK shares. It also proves to cynics that the UK market is not stuck in the mud, and that the US stock market is not the only place to make money.”
The FTSE 100 returned more than the S&P 500 for the first time in what seems like an eternity in 2025, with London’s leading index surging 21% compared to a 16% rise in the S&P 500.
Over a 5-year period, the FTSE 100 has added 54% while the S&P 500 has gained 82%. The FTSE 100 would have paid more dividends over this period, however.
In terms of individual stock movers on Friday, it appeared to be more of the same for FTSE 100 constituents.
Precious metals miner Fresnillo was among the top risers as silver resumed its meteoric ascent, while defence stocks caught investors’ attention ahead of a year expected to see global government demand.
Fresnillo was 2.8% higher at the time of writing, while Rolls-Royce added 2.9%.