The FTSE 100 ("Footsie") groups the 100 largest caps of the London Stock Exchange. AstraZeneca, Shell, HSBC, Unilever, BP dominate. Value-heavy and internationally-exposed index (~70 % of revenue outside UK), correlated to oil and commodities.
The FTSE 100 has a unique characteristic among major indices: its companies are listed in London, but they generate revenue worldwide. About 70-75 % of total revenue of FTSE 100 companies comes from abroad. That's why the FTSE is often nicknamed "the global index listed in London".
FTSE 100 top 10 in April 2026 (approximate weights):
Heavily-represented sectors: energy/oil (~12 %), financial (~16 %), consumer staples (~14 %), pharma (~13 %), mining (~5 %). Typically a "value" and "old economy" index — little tech (vs Nasdaq 100), lots of dividends (average yield ~3.5-4 %/year).
Between 2016 (Brexit vote) and 2024, the FTSE 100 strongly underperformed other major indices. The S&P 500 gained ~150 % over this period, DAX ~70 %, CAC 40 ~80 %, but FTSE only ~30 %. Several reasons:
Since late 2023, the narrative changed. The FTSE 100 rebounded significantly, hitting 9,000 points for the first time in March 2025. Rebound drivers:
20-year performance dividends included: ~6.5 %/year. Less than S&P 500 (~11 %) but more stable, with volatility of only ~14 %/year (vs 18 % for DAX).
Bad news: since Brexit, the FTSE 100 is no longer PEA-eligible (the PEA requires shares from the European Economic Area, and the UK exited in 2020). To invest in FTSE from France, you must go through a regular brokerage account (CTO) or life insurance with UC units.
Main options:
French taxation: on regular brokerage, dividends + gains at 30 % flat tax. On life insurance, FTSE UC units qualify and benefit from classic AV advantages (€4,600/year exemption after 8 years).
When to buy? The FTSE 100 tends to shine in 2 environments: (1) global risk-off because its defensive companies and dividends attract funds; (2) strong dollar because the pound automatically depreciates, boosting export revenue. Conversely, in tech-dominated risk-on environments, the FTSE almost always underperforms.
TotalEnergies shares are down after the company reported second-quarter results that were weaker than those of its British competitors. The European oil sector is showing mixed performance.
Rio Tinto shares underperformed the FTSE 100 in July. Pressure on the iron ore market in China is weighing heavily on the mining giant.
Disappointing U.S. employment data is causing the dollar to fall and pushing back the prospect of another Fed rate hike. The EUR/USD is benefiting from this.
The British defense and engineering group has announced a 200 million-pound share buyback program following annual results that were in line with expectations. 💼
The Bank of England's latest survey shows that British businesses expect prices to rise at a much slower pace than in April. This is an important signal for future monetary policy.
The London index is rising as hopes for a deal with Iran offset tensions over crude oil. The market is betting on a de-escalation of geopolitical tensions.
The British pharmaceutical company's stock fell 2% following the U.S. advisory committee's negative vote on camizestrant, a key drug expected to generate $5 billion in sales.
GBP/USD holds up well, while US inflation data puts the dollar under pressure. We tell you what this means for your portfolio.
Asian currencies strengthen as the dollar slips. Geopolitical tensions surrounding Iran and US inflation at the forefront: analysis of the week.
BP reports exceptional oil trading results for Q1, boosted by the war in the Middle East and volatile crude oil prices. Shell follows the same dynamic.
The pound sterling is holding up well, closing in on its weekly highs. Meanwhile, the dollar awaits U.S. inflation figures, which could turn everything upside down.
Paris, London and Frankfurt fell back at the start of the session. The failure of negotiations between Washington and Teheran has triggered a wave of risk aversion on the Old Continent.
European markets tumbled on Monday morning. Paris lost 0.94%, Frankfurt 0.96%, London 0.56%. Cause: tensions between Iran and the United States over a threatened port blockade.
The dollar hits its lowest level in a month. The euro, yen and pound sterling explode after Trump announces a ceasefire with Iran. Markets return to risk in force.
After months of gains, GBP/USD collapses to 1.3204. A solid NFP report puts the Fed back in play and calls into question the Bank of England's trajectory. Analysis of a major break.