The FTSE 100 Index has been in a strong bull run this year and is now hovering near its all-time high of £8,900. It has jumped by over 16% from its lowest point in April when global stocks plunged because of Donald Trump’s tariffs. This article highlights some of the top gainers in the FTSE Index this year.
Babcock International is the top FTSE 100 stock this year
The Babcock stock price has surged by over 115% this year, making it the best performer in the FTSE 100 Index. This surge is because it is one of the biggest players in the defence industry in the UK.
Demand for military equipment is growing in Europe and the United States as Donald Trump pressures countries to spend more. Germany has already passed a bill to boost spending this year.
Babcock International’s revenue rose from £2.1 billion in 2023’s half year to £2.4 billion last year. Its operating profit jumped from £144.2 million to £183 million, while the cash generated from operations jumped from £163 million to £181 million.
Babcock’s business will likely continue growing in the coming years as demand from the defense industry rises. The same applies to BAE Systems, whose stock has jumped by over 70% this year.
Fresnillo (FRES)
Fresnillo, a leading player in the silver mining industry, has continued doing well this year as its stock soared by 114%. This growth is mostly because of the ongoing silver price surge. Silver price jumped to a high of $37 this month, 27% above its lowest point in April this year.
It has jumped because it is often seen as an alternative to gold, a metal that also jumped to a record high. The company makes more money when the price of silver is in a strong uptrend, boosting its revenue and profits.
Rolls-Royce (RR)
Rolls-Royce Holdings is another top-performing company in the FTSE 100 Index this year. It has already jumped to a record high; analysts expect it to crack the 1,000p this year.
Rolls-Royce share price soared this week after reports said that China was preparing to make a big order from Airbus. The estimate ranges from about 300 to 500 planes spread across narrow and wide body.
Rolls-Royce will be a key beneficiary of this because it is one of the biggest engine manufacturers in the industry, focusing on wide-body engines.
The company has become highly profitable, achieving its mid-year targets two years ahead of schedule.
FTSE 100 banks are doing well
The other top companies in the FTSE 100 Index this year are banks. Lloyds share price has jumped by over 40%, while NatWest and Barclays stock have risen by over 30% this year.
These banks have done well because the UK economy has been highly resilient this year. Also, most of them are paying substantial dividends, with Lloyds and NatWest yielding 4% and Barclays having 2.45%.
The other top-performing companies in the FTSE 100 Index this year are St. James Place, Admiral Group, BT Group, and Aviva.
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