FTSE 100 Marks Longest Winning Streak in Over Five Years
Britain’s stock market has achieved its longest stretch of daily gains since 2019, with the FTSE 100 closing nearly 8 points higher at 8,415—a rise of 0.09%.
The index has now risen for 10 consecutive trading sessions, climbing from 7,679 points on April 9. This marks the most sustained rally since the “Boris Bounce” following Boris Johnson’s election victory more than five years ago.
Neil Wilson, UK investment strategist at Saxo Markets, attributes the steady climb to more than just relief over trade tensions.
“We’ve seen incrementally more positive news on tariffs, and the Federal Reserve has signalled a readiness to cut interest rates in the coming months,” Wilson noted.
He also pointed to the FTSE’s defensive qualities:
“There’s a strong dividend culture in the index, offering a degree of shelter in uncertain markets. When investors shift focus to capital preservation, high-yielding stocks become increasingly appealing.”
This resilience is evident when comparing recent performance with the US. Since April 9, the FTSE has steadily advanced, while the S&P 500 has suffered several sharp daily declines, including one of nearly 3.5% and two others above 2%.
“The FTSE 100 may not be flashy, but it’s like an old blanket—reliable and comforting when markets turn stormy,” Wilson added.
He also suggested a broader shift in global capital flows may be at play, with funds rotating out of the US. Supporting this view, the pound has appreciated around 4.5% against the dollar over the same two-week stretch. In dollar terms, the FTSE has gained roughly 15% since bouncing back from its post-“liberation day” lows.
