The FTSE 100 index has hit a historic milestone, breaching the 10,000-point mark for the first time. While some may dismiss this as an arbitrary number, financial experts argue that the occasion presents a valuable opportunity to encourage greater public engagement with investing.
The index’s ascent comes after a stellar year for the UK market, with the FTSE 100 delivering a 21.5% return in 2025. This outperformance of its US counterparts has sparked calls for the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) and Chancellor Rachel Reeves to capitalise on the momentum.
Reeves’ claim that the FTSE 100’s record high is a “vote of confidence in Britain’s economy” has been met with scepticism, given that the index is heavily weighted towards multinational companies that generate the majority of their revenues overseas. Nevertheless, the landmark presents a chance to educate the public on the long-term benefits of investing in equities.
City banks, investment platforms, and fund managers are reportedly preparing to launch a £15 million annual advertising campaign to “explain the benefits of investing.” However, some argue that the LSEG could have seized the 10,000-point milestone to engage in a bit more “razzmatazz” and drive this message home.
Nils Pratley, a financial columnist, suggests that the LSEG could have distributed “FTSE 10,000” baseball caps or organised other promotional activities to capture public attention, similar to the fanfare often seen on Wall Street when the Dow Jones Industrial Average reaches a round number.
While such tactics may be perceived as too “American” for the traditionally reserved British financial sector, Pratley argues that the current environment, where the government is actively encouraging greater risk-taking and investment, presents a prime opportunity to drop the reserve and seize the moment.
Ultimately, the FTSE 100’s historic achievement serves as a reminder that equity investments have historically outperformed cash over medium- and long-term horizons. As the UK government continues its efforts to “rewire” the financial system, the LSEG and industry players may find that a little more showmanship could go a long way in inspiring the public to embrace the benefits of investing.
