The FTSE 100 index has broken through a significant psychological barrier, surpassing 10,000 for the first time in its history. This milestone comes on the back of a robust start to 2026, with data from Reuters showing that the index has risen by over 10% in the first quarter – a period that has seen it outperform its previous high of 9,600 in August 2025.
Notably, this growth is underpinned by strong earnings reports from a number of major listed companies. According to Bloomberg, profits for FTSE 100 firms have risen by nearly 15% year-on-year, bolstering investor confidence and fuelling the index's ascent. While some analysts caution that the current surge may be partly driven by the ongoing economic recovery from the 2022 slump, many market experts believe that the UK's stock market is now on a sustainable trajectory for growth in 2026.
Commenting on the milestone, a Treasury Department spokesperson stated: 'We welcome this significant milestone for the FTSE 100, which reflects the resilience of the UK economy. As we look to drive continued growth and prosperity across the country, our support for businesses and investors will remain unwavering.'
The news has been widely welcomed by opposition parties, with the Labour Party's Shadow Chancellor remarking: 'This is a welcome boost for the UK's economy, and we are eager to see further progress in the coming months.' Conversely, some critics have expressed concerns over the sustainability of the current growth, citing inflationary pressures and the ongoing impact of the Brexit deal on the UK's economic prospects. As the global economy continues to evolve, market observers will be closely monitoring the FTSE 100's performance in the coming quarters.