FTSE 100 Rides the Wave to a New Record
Thursday saw the FTSE 100 snap up to a fresh high of 8,884 points, with a quiet 0.23 % lift as mining and energy giants pulled the index through the finish line.
Why the UK Outshines the U.S.
- Mines & Metals – From Fresnillo’s copper to BAE Systems’ defence contracts, precious‑metal miners were the star performers.
- Financials & Insurance – Lloyds and Prudential kept the money flowing, adding steady gains to the mix.
- Robust Leadership – The UK market delivered more than triple the return of the S&P 500 this year, marking a long‑awaited victory over its American counterpart.
Dan Coatsworth, investment analyst at AJ Bell, noted: “It’s been ages since the UK beat the U.S. on the stock market, and 2025 was the breakthrough year.”
How Investors Are “Fishing” for Opportunities
With a lot of traders waving the U.S. banner, concerns over Donald Trump’s trade tactics and their potential impact on the economy, many have started to cast their nets across the ocean. Europe is now the hot spot, offering markets that are cheaper and perhaps more resilient.
Even Germany is stealing a little of the spotlight, thanks to the government’s plans to pour cash into defence and infrastructure – a move that’s pulling investors even further from the U.S. shoreline.
Bottom Line
The UK’s gains suggest a market that’s not only resilient but also ready to lead the way in a global playing field. As investors keep “fishing” beyond the U.S., the FTSE 100 remains a strong anchor in the international capital seas.
