UK100 Cash

The UK100 Index also called FTSE 100, FTSE, or, informally, the 'footsie'. It is a share index of the 100 most highly capitalised UK companies listed on the London Stock Exchange.

The index is maintained by the FTSE Group, an independent company jointly owned by The Financial Times and the London Stock Exchange

The index began on 3 January 1984 with a base level of 1000; the highest value reached to date is 6950.6, on 30 December 1999

The FTSE 100 is by far the most widely used UK stock market indicator.

Top 5 largest companies on the index: BHP Billiton, Royal Dutch Shell, HSBC, Vodafone Group, BP.

The FTSE 100 is made up of many sectors from Aerospace & Defence to Tobacco companies.

UK100 Index Market Influences

Government policy and geo-political changes influence the stock market hugely. The interest rate policies set by each individual country in the world has an effect on the stock markets and more correctly the companies that make up the constituents of the Index. If they increase rates it’s harder and more expensive to borrow money. When rates are cut it means money is cheaper
to borrow, which can fund expansion and growth.

The same with political changes, new trade agreements, increase in cross border taxes or the simple banning of any distribution networks can cause issues for company performance and therefore index performance.