The FTSE 100 has hit record highs this year, but which shares have increased the most?
Britain’s FTSE 100 index has been soaring to all-time highs this year on expectations that the Bank of England will cut interest rates over the coming months.
This optimism has seen the index, which contains the 100 largest quoted companies on the London Stock Exchange, trading at more than 8,000 points.
According to Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, it has been a terrific seven days for the 40-year-old index.
“We’ve had new record highs, yet more takeover action, and everyone is talking about UK stocks in a positive way, which hasn’t been seen for ages.”
But what have been the best-performing stocks this year?
We take a look at which shares would have made you the most money.
| Name | Returns YTD (GBP) |
| Rolls-Royce Holdings | 39.21% |
| NatWest Group | 35.51% |
| Beazley | 30.69% |
| Antofagasta | 29.47% |
| Barclays | 28.46% |
| BAE Systems | 22.33% |
| Intermediate Capital Group | 19.01% |
| Intertek Group | 17.52% |
| ConvaTec Group PLC | 17.36% |
| Associated British Foods | 15.38% |
Source: Morningstar Direct, year-to-date up to close of 23 April 2024.
*FTSE 100 holdings were obtained using Xtrackers FTSE 100 ETF as a proxy
Rolls-Royce Holdings (RR.L)
Up 39.21%
The British aerospace and defence company enjoyed a terrific 2023 and this performance has continued into the current year. Shares have climbed on expectations that profit will be ahead of forecasts.
NatWest Group (NWG.L)
Up 35.51%
The bank’s first-quarter numbers exceeded expectations, despite increasing competition on mortgages and accounts.
Beazley (BEZ.L)
Up 30.69%
The insurance group has been another strong performer this year. In early March, it reported a record £1.25 billion profit for the year ending 31 December 2023.
Antofagasta (ANTO.L)
Up 29.47%
The mining company enjoyed a 5% increase in earnings during 2023 and an 11% uptick in cash flow. Observers believe it will benefit from increasing demand for copper.
Barclays (BARC.L)
Up 28.46%
The bank delivered better-than-expected first-quarter numbers due to a combination of the UK arm, US consumer banking operations and its investment bank.
BAE Systems (BA.L)
Up 22.33%
The defence giant revealed record orders when it announced full-year 2023 results. It’s also expected to benefit from the UK Government’s plans to increase UK defence spending.
Intermediate Capital Group (ICG.L)
Up 19.01%
This is a private equity investment firm that joined the FTSE 100 in late December 2023. It currently has around $86.3 billion (£69 billion) of assets under management.
Intertek Group (ITRK.L)
Up 17.52%
The specialist quality control company provides assurance, testing, inspection and certification services to customers around the world.
ConvaTec Group (CTEC.L)
Up 17.36%
This is a medtech business that’s focused on solutions for chronic care. Its outlook for the full year 2024 is for organic revenue growth of 5-7%.
Associated British Foods (ABF.L)
Up 15.38%
The owner of Primark has been rewarded for a decent jump in first-half profits, an increase in the interim dividend, and ongoing share buybacks.
The information included in this article does not constitute regulated financial advice. You should seek independent, professional financial advice before making any investment decision.