Fintechzoom.com FTSE 100 Guide: Top UK Stocks & How to Invest
Explore fintechzoom.com FTSE 100 today! Learn UK’s top 100 stocks, live prices & smart tips to invest easily. Grow your money with expert insights.
History of the FTSE 100
The FTSE 100 was created on 3 January 1984. It started with a value of 1000 points. It was made by two companies:
- The Financial Times (a UK business newspaper)
- The London Stock Exchange (LSE)
That’s where the name FTSE comes from:
FT (Financial Times) + SE (Stock Exchange)
Since then, the FTSE 100 has become a key way for people to check how the UK economy and businesses are doing. The index often moves up when the economy grows and moves down when companies struggle.
Key milestones
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1984 | FTSE 100 starts at 1000 points |
| 1999 | FTSE 100 hits all-time high of 6930 before dot-com crash |
| 2008 | Falls during global financial crisis |
| 2016 | Surges after Brexit vote due to weak pound |
| 2020 | Drops during COVID-19 pandemic, recovers later |
How Is the FTSE 100 Different From Other Indexes?
Many countries have their own stock market indexes. Let’s see how FTSE 100 compares:
| Index | Country | Companies | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| FTSE 100 | UK | 100 | UK’s top companies |
| S&P 500 | USA | 500 | Largest US firms |
| DAX | Germany | 40 | Biggest German firms |
| Nikkei 225 | Japan | 225 | Top Japanese stocks |
The FTSE 100 is similar to these but focuses only on UK companies listed on the London Stock Exchange.
Risks of Investing in the FTSE 100
Like all investments, putting money into the FTSE 100 has some risks. It’s smart to know these before investing.
1. Company risks
If big companies in the index do badly, the FTSE 100 will fall.
2. Market risks
Stock markets can swing due to global events (like wars or pandemics).
3. Currency risk
Since many FTSE 100 companies earn money abroad, changes in the British Pound can affect profits.
4. Political risks
Brexit, tax changes, and new laws can affect UK companies.
5. Economic risks
If the UK economy slows down, businesses make less money.
Long-Term Benefits of FTSE 100 Investing
Even with risks, the FTSE 100 has shown good returns over time. Many people invest in it for the long run to grow their savings.
Key benefits:
- Steady dividends — Many FTSE 100 companies pay cash returns yearly.
- Diversified sectors — Banking, energy, healthcare, and more.
- Global exposure — 70% of FTSE 100 profits come from outside the UK.
- Inflation hedge — Stocks often grow faster than inflation.
List of All FTSE 100 Companies (2025)
Here’s a quick look at some of the FTSE 100 companies as of 2025:
| Company | Sector |
|---|---|
| HSBC Holdings | Banking |
| BP | Oil & Gas |
| Unilever | Consumer Goods |
| AstraZeneca | Healthcare |
| Glencore | Mining |
| Barclays | Banking |
| Vodafone Group | Telecom |
| British American Tobacco | Tobacco |
| Shell | Oil & Gas |
| Tesco | Retail |
(Note: The full list has 100 companies — check Fintechzoom.com FTSE 100 page for latest names.)
Smart Ways to Invest in the FTSE 100
Let’s talk about easy, smart ways to put your money into the FTSE 100.
1. Buy an ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund)
- Low cost
- Tracks all 100 companies
- Trades like a stock
Popular FTSE 100 ETFs:
- iShares Core FTSE 100 ETF
- Vanguard FTSE 100 ETF
2. Use a Mutual Fund
- Fund manager handles buying/selling
- You just invest and relax
3. Invest in Dividend Stocks
- Focus on companies paying steady dividends (e.g., Unilever, Shell)
4. Use a Stocks & Shares ISA (UK only)
- Tax-free returns
- Invest in FTSE 100 ETFs or funds
How to Start Investing (Step-by-Step)
Here’s a super easy guide to start investing in FTSE 100:
- Choose a broker — Use platforms like Hargreaves Lansdown, AJ Bell, or Interactive Investor
- Open an account — Stocks & Shares ISA or standard account
- Deposit money — Bank transfer or debit card
- Buy FTSE 100 ETF or fund — Search and click “Buy”
- Hold and watch — Track on Fintechzoom.com FTSE 100
FAQs — Fintechzoom.com FTSE 100 (Part 2)
Q6: Is the FTSE 100 safe for beginners?
A: Yes — it includes large, stable companies. Using ETFs or funds spreads your risk.
Q7: Does the FTSE 100 pay dividends?
A: Yes — many companies in the index pay regular dividends.
Q8: How can I invest in FTSE 100 from outside the UK?
A: Many brokers allow you to buy FTSE 100 ETFs globally.
Q9: How much money do I need to start investing?
A: Some ETFs let you start with as little as £100.
Q10: Can I lose money in FTSE 100 investing?
A: Yes — if the index falls, your investment value drops. But long-term investing reduces risk.
People Also Ask (PAA) — Fintechzoom.com FTSE 100 (Part 2)
- What sectors make up the FTSE 100?
- How is the FTSE 100 calculated daily?
- Is FTSE 100 better than S&P 500?
- Can foreigners invest in FTSE 100 ETFs?
- What is the average return of FTSE 100 per year?
Final Thoughts — Why Follow Fintechzoom.com FTSE 100?
The FTSE 100 is the heartbeat of UK’s biggest companies. Whether you are:
✅ A beginner investor
✅ A student learning about finance
✅ A trader watching daily moves
… tracking the Fintechzoom.com FTSE 100 will help you stay informed and make smart money choices.
Fintechzoom.com gives you:
- Fast, live prices
- Easy-to-read charts
- Daily news and expert tips
- Tools to make investing simple
Tip: Bookmark Fintechzoom.com FTSE 100 page and check it daily!
Actionable Next Steps
- Visit Fintechzoom.com FTSE 100 and view live prices
- Learn more with Fintechzoom market news
- Open an investment account and explore ETFs
- Track your investments weekly using Fintechzoom charts
Why Trust Fintechzoom.com?
Fintechzoom.com is trusted by thousands of users for:
- Accurate market data
- Clear, simple explanations
- Updated news every minute
- Friendly tools for all skill levels
Whether you are in the UK or anywhere in the world, Fintechzoom.com FTSE 100 is your go-to source.
