<p>The <strong>FTSE 100</strong> is the United Kingdom’s premier stock‑market index, representing the 100 largest publicly listed companies by market capitalisation on the London Stock Exchange. Maintained by the FTSE Russell group, it serves as a benchmark for the performance of the UK’s blue‑chip sector and is widely used by investors, fund managers, and analysts to gauge overall market health.</p>

<p>Because it captures a substantial portion of the UK’s equity value, the FTSE 100’s movements are closely watched as an indicator of economic sentiment and investor confidence. For example, when the index rises sharply, it often signals optimism about corporate earnings and the broader economy, prompting increased buying activity in UK‑focused exchange‑traded funds and mutual funds that track the index.</p>