FTSE 100 Tops 10,000 Points for First Time

London's FTSE 100 index surpassed the 10,000-point milestone for the first time on Friday, marking a significant achievement as trading resumed after the New Year holiday. The blue-chip benchmark rose as much as 0.8 percent in early sessions, reaching an intraday high of 10,018.5 before settling around 10,003.68, up 0.7 percent from its previous close.

The index had ended 2025 at 9,923.06, just shy of the symbolic threshold, following a robust annual gain of more than 21 percent, its strongest performance since 2009. This surge capped five consecutive years of growth for the FTSE 100 and saw it hit record highs on 41 trading days throughout the year. The milestone reflects sustained investor interest in the index's constituents, particularly those resilient to global economic pressures.

Several heavyweight stocks drove the opening rally. Gold miner Fresnillo, which posted the largest gain among FTSE 100 companies in 2025 with a rise exceeding 400 percent, climbed nearly 4 percent. Rolls-Royce, a standout performer in the defense sector, advanced 3.5 percent to 1,190 pence, benefiting from increased European defense spending. Luxury goods maker Burberry edged up about 2 percent,...