Overview
- The index touched 10,022 in early trading before pulling back slightly, setting a new intraday peak.
- London’s benchmark finished 2025 near 9,931 after setting late-December records of 9,954 intraday and 9,941 on the close.
- Friday’s advance was led by Rolls-Royce, Melrose and Fresnillo, with the precious-metals miner also the top 2025 performer at roughly 450%.
- Gold and silver’s powerful rallies through 2025 contrasted with an 18% annual drop in Brent crude, while the pound rose about 7.5% against the dollar.
- Market participants point to renewed IPO activity and sector strength in miners and defence as supports that could sustain London’s momentum into 2026.