FTSE 100 Index Reaches New Record High as UK Economic Growth Exceeds Forecasts
The FTSE 100 reached a record high on January 15 following news of 0.3 percent economic growth in November and robust earnings across the financial sector.
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The FTSE 100 index in the United Kingdom 
GBreached an all-time record high on January 15, 2026, as investors reacted to a combination of stronger-than-expected economic growth data and a wave of positive corporate earnings. By 1028 GMT, the blue-chip FTSE 100was trading up 0.45 percent, while the mid-cap FTSE 250 added 0.7 percent to reach its highest level in four years. This rally followed official data showing the domestic economy grew by 0.3 percent in November, marking the fastest pace of expansion since June.
GBreached an all-time record high on January 15, 2026, as investors reacted to a combination of stronger-than-expected economic growth data and a wave of positive corporate earnings. By 1028 GMT, the blue-chip FTSE 100was trading up 0.45 percent, while the mid-cap FTSE 250 added 0.7 percent to reach its highest level in four years. This rally followed official data showing the domestic economy grew by 0.3 percent in November, marking the fastest pace of expansion since June.The positive macroeconomic environment was bolstered by significant gains in the financial services sector. Asset manager Ashmore Group saw its share price surge 17 percent after reporting strong net inflows, while Schroders rose 8 percent following an announcement that its annual profit is expected to exceed market forecasts. These performances helped push the broader investment banks and brokerages index up by 3.2 percent. Major lenders also benefited from the upbeat sentiment, with Barclays , Lloyds Banking Group , NatWest Group , and HSBC Holdings all seeing their stocks rise between 1.4 percent and 1.9 percent.
