By bizn_fun 
The FTSE 100 tracks the performance of the the 100 largest companies on the London Stock Exchange. That includes mining firms Antofagasta, Rio Tinto and Peers Endeavour which have been boosted by surging metals prices.
Defence firms also performed strongly, with Bae Systems, Babcock and Rolls-Royce all saw their value increase, as did large banks, including Lloyds, Barclays, Standard Chartered and HSBC.
Dan Coatsworth, head of markets at AJ Bell, said crossing the 10,000-point was a “historic moment” and a New Year’s gift for the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, who has been calling for more people to invest in the share market.
“She has been banging the drum about the merits of investing over parking cash in the bank.
“The FTSE 100’s achievements just go to show what’s possible when buying UK shares,” he said.
The FTSE 100’s had outperformed US indexes in 2025, he added.
While some London-quoted companies were sometimes considered “old and boring” its mix of industries, including mining and banking, appealed to investors seeking stability during uncertain times, he said.
“Investors often seek solace in companies whose goods and services should be in demand no matter what’s happening in the world.
“For example, we all need to pay insurance or water bills, or those in the habit are still likely to buy cigarettes or vapes, and the FTSE 100 has plenty of companies playing on these themes on offer.”