FTSE 100 charges back towards five-year peak

clock

The UK's blue chip index is trading back near a five-year high this morning after a near 1% gain, as a bumper set of results lift shares.

The FTSE 100 touched 6,407 points in early trading - higher than last month's peak closing level and just off the 6,412 intraday mark reached on 20 February - and was up 0.8% at 6,396 shortly after 11am. The index is being led higher by support services company Serco Group, whose shares have rocketed 11% after it upped its dividend by 20%. Oil services company Wood Group also helped lift markets after it too pleased investors with its full year numbers, shares up 5% after profits rose 43%. The group also increased its dividend by 26%. The UK market's next key level to break through...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Equities

Global equities, Château Screwtop and a nose for opportunity

Global equities, Château Screwtop and a nose for opportunity

'The bottom line is that bias is commonplace and counterproductive'

Professional Adviser
clock 06 May 2026 • 4 min read
Alexandra Jackson: UK equities - going beyond the narrative

Alexandra Jackson: UK equities - going beyond the narrative

Economic recovery takes hold

Alexandra Jackson
clock 04 March 2026 • 3 min read
Love is… picking the right stock

Love is… picking the right stock

'We genuinely love each and every one of these companies when we take an initial position'

Gabriel Sacks
clock 13 February 2026 • 4 min read