The FTSE 100 tracks 100 large companies listed in London. It is weighted by investable market value and is a common gauge of UK-listed large caps, many of which earn revenue overseas.
History and development
The FTSE 100 began in 1984 with a base value of 1,000, providing a benchmark of large UK-listed companies. Periodic membership reviews have accompanied changes in the market's industrial composition. Today's index is therefore not the same fixed group of 100 businesses that appeared at launch.
References: FTSE Russell: forty-year history
Comparing charts on this board
Compare FTSE 100 with DAX to examine different large-cap leadership. FTSE-only strength invites a look at resources and energy; DAX leadership invites examination of its manufacturing and growth businesses. International revenues make domestic activity only one lens.
Add GBP/USD and oil to track currency, resources and equities separately. Use intraday returns for direction; for longer comparisons, align return conventions, including DAX's reinvested-dividend calculation.
Related charts: DAX · GBP / USD · WTI Oil Perp
Official references: FTSE Russell: FTSE 100