United Kingdom's main stock market index, the GB100, fell to 9690 points on December 2, 2025, losing 0.13% from the previous session. Over the past month, the index has declined 0.12%, though it remains 15.91% higher than a year ago, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from United Kingdom. United Kingdom Stock Market Index (GB100) - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on December of 2025.

Key information about United Kingdom FTSE 100

• United Kingdom FTSE 100 closed at 9,720.5 points in Nov 2025, compared with 9,717.3 points at the previous month end
• UK Equity Market Index: Month End: FTSE 100 data is updated monthly, available from Jan 1984 to Nov 2025, with an average number of 4,814.3 points
• The data reached an all-time high of 9,720.5 points in Nov 2025 and a record low of 1,010.1 points in Jul 1984

FTSE Russell provides FTSE 100 Index, which is the key benchmark in the UK.


Further information about United Kingdom FTSE 100

• In the latest reports, FTSE All-Share recorded a daily P/E ratio of 14.4 in Jul 2022

The total market capitalization of all companies trading on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) took a large hit during the early months of 2020, due mostly part to a mass sell-off of shares caused by the fears surrounding the global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Between December 2019 and March 2020, the total value of market capitalization decreased by more than *** billion British pounds (GBP). The overall number of companies currently trading has also been falling. The number of daily trades spiked in March 2020 and then decreased as well. As of February 2025, the total market value of all companies trading on the London Stock Exchange stood at over **** trillion British pounds. European stock exchanges While almost every country has a stock Exchange, in Europe only five exchanges are considered major, with total market capital amounting to over *** trillion euros. The London Stock Exchange is the second largest in Europe and tenth largest worldwide. As of January 2025, Europe’s largest stock exchange, Euronext had a total market capital of listed companies valued at approximately **** trillion U.S. dollars.

Largest UK companies by market cap

The largest UK companies by market cap are those listed on the UK stock exchange with the highest total value of all shares, representing their perceived worth by investors. These companies, such as BP, Shell, Unilever, HSBC Holdings, and GlaxoSmithKline, are considered some of the most valuable and powerful in the country, with a significant impact on the global economy. AstraZeneca, Rio Tinto, and Reckitt Benckiser are also notable high-market cap companies in the UK, reflecting their strong foothold in their respective markets.

As of January 29, 2025, the FTSE index stood at ******** points - well above its average value of around ***** points in the past few years.On the 12th of March 2020, amid the escalating crisis surrounding the coronavirus and fears of a global recession, the FTSE 100 suffered the second largest one day crash in its history and the biggest since the 1987 market crash. On the 23rd of March, the FTSE index saw its lowest value this year to date at ******** but has since began a tentative recovery. With the continuation of the pandemic, the FTSE 100 index was making a tentative recovery between late March 2020 and early June 2020. Since then the FSTE 100 index had plateaued towards the end of July, before starting a tentative upward trend in November. FTSE 100 The Financial Times Stock Exchange 100 Index, otherwise known as the FTSE 100 Index is a share index of the 100 largest companies trading on the London Stock Exchange in terms of market capitalization. At the end of March 2024, the largest company trading on the LSE was Shell. The largest ever initial public offering (IPO) on the LSE was Glencore International plc. European stock exchanges While nearly every country in Europe has a stock exchange, only five are considered major, and have a market capital of over one trillion U.S dollars. European stock exchanges make up two of the top ten major stock markets in the world. Europe’s biggest stock exchange is the Euronext which combines seven markets based in Belgium, France, England, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, and Portugal.

Graph and download economic data for Financial Market: Share Prices for United Kingdom (SPASTT01GBM661N) from Dec 1957 to Oct 2025 about stock market and United Kingdom.

The most complete UK stock market historical price covering 1000 companies from 1988 - 2024. Feedback and suggestions are welcomed.

• 1026 companies
• Start date: 1988-05-03
• End date: 2024-05-22

United Kingdom UK: Stocks Traded: Total Value data was reported at 2,357.017 USD bn in 2014. This records an increase from the previous number of 1,675.053 USD bn for 2013. United Kingdom UK: Stocks Traded: Total Value data is updated yearly, averaging 487.920 USD bn from Dec 1975 (Median) to 2014, with 40 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 3,947.700 USD bn in 2007 and a record low of 19.361 USD bn in 1977. United Kingdom UK: Stocks Traded: Total Value data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United Kingdom – Table UK.World Bank.WDI: Financial Sector. The value of shares traded is the total number of shares traded, both domestic and foreign, multiplied by their respective matching prices. Figures are single counted (only one side of the transaction is considered). Companies admitted to listing and admitted to trading are included in the data. Data are end of year values converted to U.S. dollars using corresponding year-end foreign exchange rates.; ; World Federation of Exchanges database.; Sum; Stock market data were previously sourced from Standard & Poor's until they discontinued their 'Global Stock Markets Factbook' and database in April 2013. Time series have been replaced in December 2015 with data from the World Federation of Exchanges and may differ from the previous S&P definitions and methodology.

As retail investing continues to reshape global markets, understanding who participates, how they invest, and what influences their decisions has never been more crucial. Stock ownership in the U.S. is reaching levels not seen since before the 2008 crisis, with younger generations, mobile platforms, and new asset classes like ETFs...

Between the first quarter of 2007 and the fourth quarter of 2024, the lowest market capitalization of all companies listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) was recorded in the first quarter of 2009, at *** trillion British pounds. As of the fourth quarter of 2024, the market capitalization of the entire LSE amounted to *** trillion British pounds. Although the value of companies trading has fluctuated and increased overall, a downward trend can be seen in the number of companies listed on the LSE.

As of May 2025, the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca was the leading company listed on the London Exchange (LSE), with a market capitalization of 159 billion British pounds. This made them the largest of all companies listed on the LSE. Seen as the heart of the global financial community, the London Stock Exchange is the second-largest stock market in Europe and ranks eighth globally. Key information The London Stock Exchange (LSE) is among the largest stock market operators globally and ranks 11th in terms of the oldest stock exchanges in existence, with 224 years of operation as of 2025. Performance after Covid The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound effect on the global economy, causing considerable volatility on the stock market. The London Stock Exchange (LSE) saw a notable decline in the market capitalization value of its listed companies, reaching its lowest value in March 2020 at approximately three trillion British pounds in correlation with a surge in the average daily number of trades, which peaked at over two billion. Following this initial reaction, the LSE observed a decrease in the average daily active traders, alongside a gradual recovery in the market capitalization of the listed companies.

United Kingdom UK: Stocks Traded: Turnover Ratio of Domestic Shares data was reported at 146.431 % in 2008. This records an increase from the previous number of 102.632 % for 2007. United Kingdom UK: Stocks Traded: Turnover Ratio of Domestic Shares data is updated yearly, averaging 40.860 % from Dec 1975 (Median) to 2008, with 34 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 146.431 % in 2008 and a record low of 15.170 % in 1978. United Kingdom UK: Stocks Traded: Turnover Ratio of Domestic Shares data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United Kingdom – Table UK.World Bank.WDI: Financial Sector. Turnover ratio is the value of domestic shares traded divided by their market capitalization. The value is annualized by multiplying the monthly average by 12.; ; World Federation of Exchanges database.; Weighted average; Stock market data were previously sourced from Standard & Poor's until they discontinued their 'Global Stock Markets Factbook' and database in April 2013. Time series have been replaced in December 2015 with data from the World Federation of Exchanges and may differ from the previous S&P definitions and methodology.

Actual value and historical data chart for United Kingdom Stock Market Return Percent Year On Year

Additional reference tables for ownership of quoted UK shares.

The UK capital market exchange ecosystem, a significant component of the global financial landscape, is experiencing robust growth, driven by a confluence of factors. The market's expansion is fueled by increasing foreign direct investment (FDI) into the UK, particularly in technology and renewable energy sectors, leading to a heightened demand for capital. Furthermore, the UK's robust regulatory framework, a well-established legal infrastructure, and a deep pool of experienced financial professionals attract both domestic and international investors. The increasing adoption of fintech solutions is streamlining trading processes, enhancing efficiency, and attracting a younger generation of investors. While Brexit initially presented challenges, the UK's capital markets have shown resilience, adapting to the new regulatory environment and continuing to attract international capital. The segment breakdown reveals a healthy balance between debt and equity financing, catering to a diverse range of investor needs, from retail investors seeking diversification to institutional investors managing large portfolios. The presence of established exchanges like the London Stock Exchange underscores the market's maturity and global influence. Looking ahead, the UK capital market ecosystem is poised for continued growth, projected to maintain a CAGR above 5% over the forecast period (2025-2033). However, potential headwinds include geopolitical uncertainty, global economic fluctuations, and evolving regulatory landscapes. To mitigate these risks, continued investment in technological innovation, strengthening international partnerships, and fostering a supportive regulatory environment will be crucial for sustained growth. The ongoing evolution of sustainable finance initiatives and a focus on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing present significant opportunities for further expansion within the UK capital markets. This will attract a new generation of conscious investors and further solidify the UK’s position as a leading global financial center. Notable trends are: Increasing Funds Under Management By Investment In UK is Driving the Market.

In 2025, stock markets in the United States accounted for roughly ** percent of world stocks. The next largest country by stock market share was China, followed by the European Union as a whole. The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the NASDAQ are the largest stock exchange operators worldwide. What is a stock exchange? The first modern publicly traded company was the Dutch East Industry Company, which sold shares to the general public to fund expeditions to Asia. Since then, groups of companies have formed exchanges in which brokers and dealers can come together and make transactions in one space. Stock market indices group companies trading on a given exchange, giving an idea of how they evolve in real time. Appeal of stock ownership Over half of adults in the United States are investing money in the stock market. Stocks are an attractive investment because the possible return is higher than offered by other financial instruments.

Key information about United Kingdom Market Capitalization

• United Kingdom Market Capitalization accounted for 3,825.441 USD bn in Oct 2025, compared with a percentage of 3,793.672 USD bn in the previous month
• UK Market Capitalization is updated monthly, available from Apr 1999 to Oct 2025
• The data reached an all-time high of 4,211.587 USD bn in Oct 2007 and a record low of 1,402.869 USD bn in Sep 2002

CEIC converts monthly Market Capitalization into USD. London Stock Exchange provides Market Capitalization in local currency. The Federal Reserve Board period end market exchange rate is used for currency conversions. Market capitalization includes only domestically listed companies. As of 2017, definitions from the revised Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID II) have been introduced.

As of February 2025, the number of companies trading on the London Stock Exchange stood at 1,660 - a slight decrease from the previous month, and the lowest number of companies listed during the period under observation. These companies had a combined market capitalization of approximately 4.65 trillion British pounds and daily average trades of approximately 700,000 in February 2024.

London Stock Exchange stock price, live market quote, shares value, historical data, intraday chart, earnings per share and news.

Between 2007 and 2024, the number of companies listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) decreased significantly. As of the fourth quarter of 2024, ***** companies were listed on the LSE, a decrease of ** companies compared to the previous quarter.