FTSE 100 Crosses 10,000 For First Time

Britain’s main stock market index, the FTSE 100, crossed the 10,000 mark for the first time on Friday. This happened as markets reopened for the first trading day of the new year, continuing the strong momentum from a very good 2025.

The FTSE 100, which includes the UK’s biggest and most valuable companies, was up over 1%, trading at around 10,034 points in early London trading.

Experts Urge Caution

Market experts say crossing such a big number is important, mainly from a psychological point of view. However, they also warned investors not to get carried away.

According to investment experts, the market needs strong support and solid performance to stay above this level. Otherwise, the 10,000 mark could act as resistance instead of a stable base.

European Markets Also Rise

Other major European stock markets also started the year on a positive note:

• France’s CAC 40 rose around 0.6%

• Germany’s DAX gained about 0.5%

• Italy’s FTSE MIB jumped nearly 0.7%

• Spain’s IBEX 35 was up close to 0.5%

The broader Stoxx Europe 600 index climbed 0.6%, with most sectors trading higher. Mining stocks were among the top performers.

Strong Performance in 2025

The gains come after an excellent year for European markets. The Stoxx 600 rose almost 16% in 2025, marking its third straight year of growth. Banking stocks and increased defence spending were key drivers of these gains.

Stock Highlights

• Orsted, a Danish energy company, saw its shares jump 5.5% after it challenged the U.S. government’s decision to suspend a wind farm lease and said it would seek legal action.

Gold and Silver Continue to Rise

Precious metals also continued their strong run:

• Gold prices rose 1.8%

• Silver jumped more than 4.5%

Both gold and silver had their best yearly performance since 1979 last year. Lower U.S. interest rates, global tensions, and strong demand from central banks helped push prices higher.

Global Market Update

• In Asia, South Korea’s stock market hit a record high

• Markets in Japan and China remained closed due to holidays

• U.S. stock futures were trading higher, with major indexes up around 0.3%

Conclusion

The strong start to the year shows growing investor confidence across global markets. While the FTSE 100 reaching 10,000 is a big milestone, experts suggest staying cautious and watching how markets perform in the coming weeks.