London’s benchmark FTSE 100 index surged past the symbolic 10,000-point mark for the first time on Friday as trading resumed for 2026, marking a historic moment for the UK’s blue-chip stock market. The index, which tracks 100 of Britain’s largest listed companies, climbed to fresh record highs early in the session following a powerful rally that continued from a robust 2025, when it posted its biggest annual gain since 2009 with a rise of around 21-22 per cent. 

The milestone reflects broad investor confidence and strong performances across key sectors, with mining, defence and financial stocks among the top contributors to the advance. Miners and defence firms benefitted from global demand and commodity price strength, while major banks and international corporations saw solid returns that helped lift the overall index. Analysts say the breakout above 10,000 could bolster sentiment around UK equities as markets build on last year’s momentum.