What’s going on here?
The FTSE 100 ended 2024 with a modest 0.3% rise, marking its best year since 2021 and challenging expectations of a tough quarter.
What does this mean?
The UK stock market had a stellar year with the FTSE 100 notching its fourth straight annual rise, largely thanks to a 1.2% boost in energy stocks. Despite predictions of a sluggish quarter, most FTSE 350 sectors grew, and precious metal miners rebounded from earlier setbacks. The FTSE 250 edged up 0.4%, although it faces its toughest quarter in nine, showing varied sectoral challenges. Political changes, like Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s win and the Bank of England’s easing since August, lifted markets, but investors are cautious about Finance Minister Rachel Reeves’ latest budget and its global policy effects.
Why should I care?
For markets: Riding the energy wave.
Energy stocks have led gains within the FTSE indices, showing strength amid broader market…
