FTSE 100 FINISH LINE 15/1/26
FTSE 100 FINISH LINE 15/1/26
The UK’s leading stock index hit new peaks on Thursday, driven by upbeat regional data highlighting economic resilience and a robust earnings season that boosted financial stocks. The FTSE 100, Britain’s flagship index, rose 0.45%, while the mid-cap FTSE 250 jumped 0.7% to its highest level in four years. The latest monthly GDP report from the ONS revealed that the UK economy bounced back impressively in November, recording a 0.3% month-on-month growth following a 0.1% decline in October. This result not only exceeded both our predictions and market expectations of a modest 0.1% increase but also positioned the economy to achieve GDP growth for the final quarter of 2025. This performance outpaces the Bank of England’s forecast, which had anticipated zero growth for the quarter, and indicates that the UK entered 2026 with more robust growth momentum than previously thought. Traders continue to anticipate around 40 basis points of rate cuts by the Bank of England by September.
On the corporate front, Ashmore Group surged 17% on the FTSE 250 after reporting strong net inflows. Meanwhile, Schroders led the FTSE 100 with an 8% gain after projecting annual profits above market expectations. These performances propelled investment banks and brokerages up 3.2%, outperforming other sectors. Banks also showed solid gains, with Barclays, Lloyds Banking Group, NatWest, and HSBC rising between 1.4% and 1.9%. However, not all sectors thrived—precious metal miners fell 1.3% as gold prices eased due to profit-taking after recent record highs. A more measured tone from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the Federal Reserve chair and Iran contributed to the cooling sentiment.
Luxury goods maker Burberry weighed on the market, sliding 4.2% amid broader declines in high-end European brands. Retailer Dunelm suffered a steep 17.6% drop after warning that challenging economic conditions and cautious consumer spending would impact its annual profits. Elsewhere, Oxford Biomedica soared 10% after confirming an unsolicited all-cash offer from EQT-managed funds. Budget airline Wizz Air climbed 4.8% as CEO Jozsef Varadi revised its fiscal year growth forecast upward.
TECHNICAL & TRADE VIEW - FTSE100
Daily VWAP Bullish
Weekly VWAP Bullish
Above 10150 Target 10300
Below 10070 Target 9950
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Patrick has been involved in the financial markets for well over a decade as a self-educated professional trader and money manager. Flitting between the roles of market commentator, analyst and mentor, Patrick has improved the technical skills and psychological stance of literally hundreds of traders – coaching them to become savvy market operators!