FTSE 100 Index
The FTSE 100 Index, or Financial Times Stock Exchange 100 Index, is a stock market index representing the performance of the 100 largest companies listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) based on market capitalization. It is one of the most widely followed equity indices in the world and serves as a benchmark for the overall health and direction of the UK stock market.
Established in 1984, the FTSE 100 is maintained by the FTSE Russell, a subsidiary of the London Stock Exchange Group. The index is calculated in real-time and is weighted by market capitalization, meaning that larger companies have a greater influence on its movements.
The FTSE 100 includes companies from various sectors such as finance, energy, healthcare, and consumer goods, offering a diverse snapshot of the UK and global economy.
Fluctuations in the FTSE 100 are often influenced by global economic conditions, geopolitical events, and changes in commodity prices, making it a crucial indicator for international investors.
The FTSE-100 Index in effect reflects the prices of the biggest companies listed in London, regardless of nationality.
The index does not provide comprehensive exposure to companies with a strong UK bias, as many large international corporations are included in the index. Typical examples include HSBC (global banking giant), Royal Dutch Shell (Netherlands oil company) and Antofagasta (Chilean miner). Many foreign or global companies like to list in London as this helps them to raise capital via a UK share issue.
The index uses a free float methodology to determine the impact of individual share prices on the daily performance of the index. This means only shares that are being traded freely count towards the capitalisation figure, not shares held by insiders or other strategic shareholdings.
The components of the index are reviewed every quarter. Companies in the FTSE 250 index, which have reached a capitalisation that would place them in the top 90 companies in the FTSE 100 Index, are promoted.
The index opens at 08.00 UK time, and closes at 16.30. Some market makers will continue to quote prices on this index both in advance of the opening time, and after closing time, as there are also futures contracts available to trade outside normal trading hours.
The FTSE 100 Index is readily available to traders online as a Contract for Difference, Futures contract or Exchange Traded Fund. UK residents can trade the index through a tax-free Spread Betting broker.
The FTSE 100 is also a popular index for use with index-linked investment products, including guaranteed products, that are frequently sold by retail banks.
There are a number of ways in which investors can gain exposure to the FTSE 100 Index. Exchange Traded Funds or ETFs will track the performance of the index at a relatively low cost with the added benefit of paying dividends. This means that investors will enjoy the effects of compounding over the longer term.
Invest in the FTSE 100 Index with these ETF platforms
Provider | Deposit | Fees | ISAs | Investment Options |
---|---|---|---|---|
Interactive Brokers | £1 initial deposit | no platform fee £3 per trade | Stocks & Shares ISAs Junior ISAs | UK Shares Non-UK Shares Funds ETFs |
£3 / €3 per trade for Western European stocks, with no added spreads, account minimums or platform fees. Pricing on US stocks starts at just USD 0.005 per share. There is a minimum monthly activity fee of £3 | ||||
Charles Stanley Direct | £500 initial deposit £50 monthly minimum | 0.30% platform fee £10 per trade | Stocks & Shares ISAs Junior ISAs | UK Shares Funds ETFs Bonds |
Minimum charge of £5, maximum of £50 per month for all individual accounts held with Charles Stanley Direct. £10 transaction fee on shares, £4 for funds. £50 of trading credits available every six months from October 2024. | ||||
IG | £500 initial deposit £50 monthly minimum | £96 platform fee £8.00* per trade | Stocks & Shares ISAs | UK Shares Non-UK Shares Funds ETFs Robo Advisor |
Trade 3+ stocks per month for active trader cost of £3.00 on UK stocks. Clients holding investments will be charged a platform fee of £8 per month which can be offset against a trade over the period. IG's Smart Portfolio's are a low cost option for those who are unsure where to invest their money. | ||||
Hargreaves Lansdown | £100 initial deposit £25 monthly minimum | 0.45% platform fee £11.95* per trade | Stocks & Shares ISAs Junior ISAs Lifetime ISAs | UK Shares Non-UK Shares Funds ETFs Bonds Robo Advisor |
Trade 10+ stocks per month for active trader cost of £8.95 or 20+ at £5.95. Additional charge of up to £45 per annum on stocks and shares. There's no dealing charge for buying or selling funds but you'll pay a holding fee of up to 0.45% per annum. Ready-made portfolios are available for investors that are unsure where to invest their money for an additional fee. |
For short term exposure to the FTSE 100 Index, traders can use Contracts for Difference or CFDs to track the index. CFDs provide an opportunity for traders to make trades on a rising or falling index. UK investors may prefer to trade with a spread betting provider where any gains are tax free.
Trade the FTSE 100 Index with these CFD brokers
Broker | Minimum Deposit | Markets | Products |
---|---|---|---|
Pepperstone | £0 | Bonds Commodities Currencies Indices Stocks & Shares | CFDs FX Spread Betting |
With a strong focus on the trading experience, industry leading technology, low costs and award-winning client support, we feel that Pepperstone is a good option for the more established high volume day trader. | |||
FP Markets | $100 | Bonds Commodities Currencies Indices Stocks & Shares | CFDs FX |
FP Markets is an established ASIC, CySEC FSP and CMA regulated broker. They offer access to the industry leading MetaTrader platforms and provide pricing directly from the market meaning fast execution and transparent pricing. A 24/7 multilingual client support service has won recognition through the highly respected Investment Trends awards. | |||
FxPro | $100 | Bonds Commodities Currencies Indices Stocks & Shares | CFDs FX |
FxPro is a fully regulated CFD provider offering Forex, Metals, Indices, Futures, Cryptos and Stocks. Clients have access to over 2000+ financial instruments and the company serves clients in 173 countries worldwide. FxPro was voted ‘Best Forex Provider’ by The Armchair Trader readers for 2024. |
Futures are derivative contracts that set a specific price for the sale of an asset at a specific time in the future. A futures contract is a legal agreement between two parties to buy or sell an asset at a predetermined price on a future date. It’s a binding commitment traded on exchanges like CME Group.
- Read our beginner’s guide to Futures
- Find out more about Options
- Take our free online Equities Indices Trading Course
Trade the FTSE 100 Index with these Futures Brokers
Broker | Minimum Deposit | Markets | Products |
---|---|---|---|
Interactive Brokers | $0 | Bonds Commodities Currencies Indices Stocks & Shares | CFDs ETFs FX Futures & Options ISA Stocks & Shares |
Interactive Brokers is one of the world’s leading futures brokers with the ability to offer direct market access to a range of securities. With previous personal experience of trading with this broker, The Armchair Trader knows that they offer excellent platform stability, an excellent range of markets, and solid customer support | |||
IG | £0 | Bonds Commodities Currencies Indices Stocks & Shares | CFDs ETFs FX Futures & Options ISA Spread Betting Stocks & Shares |
Widely recognised as the largest broker of its kind for CFDs and Spreadbetting, IG has now expanded its services to include Equities and ETF trading. Their range of markets is wide reaching while both trading and share dealing costs are low. We really like their Smart Portfolio's which are ideal for inexperienced investors to gain exposure to the markets. With deeper pockets to invest in their services than most brokers, IG's platform suite and trading support tend to lead the way. IG is a good all-rounder for novice through to experienced traders and investors. Risk Warning: Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. | |||
Tickmill | £100 | Bonds Commodities Currencies Indices Stocks & Shares | CFDs Futures & Options |
Tickmill is an established, regulated broker. With a focus on platform technology, fast reliable trading and low costs, it is a good choice for the experienced high volume trader. |
FTSE 100 Stock reports
Can Marks and Spencer shares sustain their current trend?
Are Severn Trent Water shares the pick of the sector?
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FTSE 100 Index Insight
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The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
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The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
What will happen in the markets in 2020?
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The Brexit impact on financial markets
Oil continues to drive the major European Indexes
FTSE boost as appetite for the pound slows
Sterling and the US Dollar set to be in focus today
GBPUSD threatens to fall below $1.24 ahead of UK construction PMI
Last quarter’s manufacturing data in focus today
European economic data to set the tone
Markets lacking any real momentum
The UK all set to trigger Article 50
Attention set to focus on the triggering of Article 50
Markets continue to digest last week’s events
FTSE takes a breather having hit another record high
Federal Reserve meeting set to dominate
Sterling gives back yesterday’s gains
Non-Farm payrolls set to take centre stage
Tumbling crude oil prices to set the tone for the FTSE
The Chancellor’s Spring Budget set to take centre stage
A quieter start as investors focus on the latter part of the week
Deutsche Bank-led banking sector slide drags on FTSE et al
Markets focused on the weekend’s corporate news
UK services slump drags sterling lower, Eurozone reading nears 6 year high
PMI Services and Fed speakers to set the tone for the day
Markets take a breather after yesterday’s gains
Markets flat ahead of US GDP and Trump Congress address
Sterling continues to suffer, euro boosted by consumer confidence increase
FTSE stagnates while Dow Jones eyes 20800
Banking sector in focus as Barclays announces £3.2bn annual profit
GDP data fails to ignite sterling despite Q4 revision
Pound hits high against euro while shareholders welcome Lloyds results
Another US open, another record high for the Dow Jones
HSBC continues to hamper FTSE; DAX jumps on PMI boost
HSBC drop in profits drags FTSE-100 lower
FTSE dips back under 7300 thanks to Unilever slide
A bright start for the major European indexes
A mixed end to the week for the markets
Commodities lead FTSE lower despite World Index fresh peak
G20 meeting in Berlin likely to provide today’s focus
UK wage growth falls as inflation continues to climb
Inflation set to remain the key focus today
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A wealth of data to provide direction for the markets
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Thomas Cook falls 7% on ‘cautious’ outlook
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Euro continues to fall as Greek debt crisis returns to forefront
Pound and euro continue to suffer, Dow Jones at new highs
Pound and euro suffer on Brexit and Draghi/Le Pen respectively
Another sluggish start as Eurozone processes Le Pen threat
FTSE creeps above 7200 on lifeless Monday morning
FTSE shuffles into life at start of quiet Monday
FTSE rises on weak pound and strong banking sector
Sluggish start from FTSE and pound ahead of US non-farm
Bank of England too dovish for expectant pound
Pound nervy ahead of Bank of England forecasts
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FTSE and DAX buoyed by respective manufacturing PMIs
FTSE rises ahead of manufacturing PMI
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FTSE subdued while Eurozone Q4 GDP in focus
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Trump instability and hectic week weighs on FTSE
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FTSE and pound await UK’s Q4 GDP
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Pound hits 1 month high against dollar
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Weak UK retail sales reading weighs on pound
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Mixed reports from Royal Mail, Halfords and Pets At Home
Solid jobs data fails to spark change from FTSE or pound
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Pound storms ahead as May promises parliamentary vote on Brexit deal
Pound rebounds ahead of UK inflation and May Brexit speech
US-less afternoon leaves Brexit-fearing pound as dominant force
Dollar strength gives FTSE green light to hit yet another high
FTSE finds its way to fresh highs despite negative news from China
FTSE 100 closes at record highs whilst the Topix underperforms
FTSE stumbles despite strong Christmas results for key retailers
Markets await comments from Carney and Trump
FTSE falls while Sainsbury’s surges on Q3 beat
Weak pound and buoyant supermarkets fuel latest FTSE rise
FTSE chasing two records while Morrisons reports on positive Xmas
Another day, another all-time high for the FTSE 100
Sluggish start this Friday for the FTSE
Services PMI surprise lifts pound from its lows
Negative news a worrying trend for high street retailers
FTSE teases 7200 as Persimmon leads homebuilders higher
FTSE 100 continues to be hampered by Retail Sector
Retail sector keeps FTSE 100 from record peak
FTSE continues to flirt with 7200 after strong open from Dow Jones
Pound boosted by UK Manufacturing PMI
FTSE 100 and DAX remain inert despite Monte dei Paschi swings
Monte dei Paschi continues nightmarish Christmas run-in
Monte dei Paschi in trouble; Dow Jones edges ever closer to 20000
FTSE100 barely budges at open; Monte dei Paschi warns of liquidity issues
Sluggish trading continues for FTSE, while GBP losses widen against USD
FTSE and DAX off to slow start, GBP sits at month low against USD
Pound suffers after Deutsche Bank comments
Monte dei Paschi weighs on European banking sector
Quiet start to Monday morning as Santa-less FTSE flirts with 7000
USD dominates with Bank of England rate vote on the horizon
Hawkish Fed dominates European markets as USD hits the limelight
Dow Jones and dollar both display slight pre-Fed jitters
FTSE and pound unimpressed by UK employment data
FTSE falls and pound steady ahead of UK jobs report
Dow teases 19900 while DAX and FTSE benefit from banking sector lift
Sterling rises as inflation increase points to potential BoE rate hike
FTSE 100 and pound await November’s inflation data
FTSE 100 fails to find Brent Crude boost
Fresh Monte dei Paschi/ECB drama weighs on European banking sector
Dull showing from FTSE and DAX, while Dow eyes another peak
Calm start as FTSE and DAX take a breather
Draghi’s ECB QE extension boosts DAX but eviscerates Euro
Eurozone indices jittery as markets await Draghi press conference
DAX and CAC build on yesterday’s highs ahead of potentially tricky ECB meeting
FTSE and DAX rise despite announcement of Euribor scandal fines
Potential Monte dei Paschi rescue package lifts DAX and FTSE
Markets calm thanks to suspended Renzi resignation
FTSE100 looks for post-Italian referendum momentum
Euro falls as Renzi resigns following Italian referendum ‘No’ vote
Italian referendum and OPEC fears drag on DAX and FTSE 100
Sterling takes advantage of Thanksgiving quiet to rise against dollar and euro
FTSE-100 direction could well be limited in the hours ahead
FTSE 100 gathers momentum while Dow Jones eyes 19000
Oil prices delivering much of the upside in the FTSE-100
Modest gains as the FTSE 100 follows Asia’s lead
Dollar-harmed commodity stocks drag FTSE lower
FTSE 100 opens flat despite upbeat expectations
Unexpected rise in UK claimant count spooks FTSE and pound
FTSE 100 subdued as traders digest swathe of earnings
FTSE100 making headway but held back by Miners
Risk-on mind set returning to the FTSE100
FTSE 100 shows modest gains but offering little in the way of direction
FTSE 100 rising as relief rally drives sentiment
[London] Busy start as FTSE 100 digests a wealth of earnings updates
The FTSE-100 has surged higher with traders breathing a collective sigh of relief
[London] FTSE 100 takes another lurch lower
[London] FTSE 100 losing ground as traders brace themselves for US Election
[London] FTSE 100 extending losses from yesterday’s late session
[London] Royal Dutch Shell’s return to profit helps FTSE100 jump higher
[London] Bank of England Governor uncertainty scares FTSE 100
[London] FTSE 100 spooked as new week’s trading gets underway
[London] Weak performance across Asian markets setting FTSE100 pace
Antofagasta and Lloyds weigh on one-week low hitting FTSE
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[London] FTSE100 given up its grip on the 7,000 level
[London] FTSE 100 Blue Chip Stocks Make Strong Start
FTSE 100 sees early gains disappear, while Eurozone barrels ahead
[London] FTSE-100 takes lead from decent overnight session in Asia
FTSE 100 sees early gains disappear, while Eurozone barrels ahead
A positive swell of data has continued to boost the Eurozone this Monday morning; the FTSE’s gains, on the other…
[London] FTSE-100 takes lead from decent overnight session in Asia
[London] Lack of FTSE100 fundamentals for traders to be working on
[London] FTSE 100 held back by ex-div constituents
[London] Mixed outlook for FTSE100 following overnight Chinese economic data
[London] After yesterday’s sell-off, the FTSE-100 has started with a bounce
Asian indices setting early FTSE 100 losses
Mining stocks leading the FTSE 100 charge
[London] FTSE-100 has dipped back below the 7,000 level
[London] FTSE 100 showing little in the way of overall direction
[London] Another leg lower for GBP is helping the FTSE-100 consolidate
[London] FTSE-100 has started the week with a modest bounce
GBP movement gives FTSE 100 another shot in the arm
[London] FTSE-100 trying to push higher as the pound takes another blow
FTSE and pound both fall as UK services PMI beats expectations but slips month-on-month
[London] FTSE-100 ripe for a degree of profit taking
FTSE and pound grow further apart
The divergence between FTSE and pound became even starker this Tuesday morning, each instrument lurching towards fresh highs and lows…
[London] FTSE 100 bolstered by further weakness of the pound
[London] FTSE 100 rises on lack of present Brexit impact
Brexit continues to be the word of the day, with the markets somewhat caught between the future consequences of Britain’s…