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CFDs are complex financial instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. CFDs are complex financial instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Where next for the FTSE 100 after it hits a 20-month high?

The FTSE 100 index reached a 20-month high yesterday, closing 0.76% higher to finish at 7,277.62. But blue-chip optimism is tempered by worries of rising inflation, higher taxes, and an unresolved labour crisis.

FTSE 100 Source: Bloomberg

The FTSE 100 is a share index comprised of the 100 highest market cap companies on the London Stock Exchange. After reaching 7,674.56 on 17 January 2020, the onset of the pandemic saw the index sink to 5,190.78 by 20 March 2020.

It then rose to 6,484.30 on 5 June 2020, before falling to 5,577.27 by 30 October 2020. Over the past year, it’s climbed to its current price of 7,277.62. But while this is its highest point since February 2020, it’s still around 450 points down from its pre-pandemic heights. On the other hand, it’s over 200 points higher than its five-year average of 7,040.73.

Where do you think the FTSE 100 will go next?

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FTSE 100 optimism

Over the past month, the index has been supported by rising bank, mining, and energy share prices. HSBC’s Q3 results saw profits rise 74% year-over-year, while Barclays doubled it profits to £2 billion. And if interest rates increase, bank stocks will see further huge rises. HSBC alone expects an additional $500 million revenue if the UK base rate rises by just 0.25%.

Yesterday, Reckitt Benckiser's share price leapt 6% as raised its full-year forecast as it forecast rising sales with the resurgence of winter viruses. Whitbread reported a smaller half-year loss than was expected while predicting a recovery in 2022 to pre-pandemic levels. And travel stocks IAG and easyJet rose 2% and 5% respectively in the past week, as fears of a new winter lockdown subside.

Meanwhile, Brent crude has risen to a multi-year high of over $80 per barrel, as the global economic recovery causes oil demand to stay higher than supply can keep up. BlackRock CEO Larry Fink believes there is a ‘high possibility’ that it could spike to $100, as demand from the USA stays high.

This has led to rising oil company share prices. BP rose 7% over the past month, while Royal Dutch Shell is up 10%. And increased demand has also seen miners send the FTSE 100 higher. Glencore is up 7%, BHP 3%, and Anglo American 7% since September.
But while the rapid global economic recovery is welcomed, the pressure on commodity prices could lead to falling profitability across the wider FTSE 100 as increased costs eat into profit margins.

Boris Johnson Source: Bloomberg

Potential correction for the FTSE 100

For the moment, FTSE 100 companies seem to be recovering from their pandemic lows. 80% of UK adults are now fully vaccinated against coronavirus. And last week, PM Boris Johnson said a fresh lockdown is ‘not on the cards.’ So, while the pandemic is not over, many analysts believe the worst is behind us.

However, the high inflationary environment is creating a cost of living crisis. Energy bills, food and petrol are all approaching multi-year highs. And from April 2022, National Insurance, and council tax rises, are going to put pressure on consumer disposable income, while increased interest rates makes debt more expensive. Many FTSE 100 companies could see revenues fall soon.

There’s also a global supply chain crisis as the UK heads into the highly important Christmas trading period. Meanwhile, a constricted labour market is sending wages higher, while corporation tax is rising from 19% to 25% next year. At the same time, government stimulus programs are being turned off. And with the Cop 26 environmental summit kicking off on Sunday, share prices of high performing energy and mining stocks could be hit by new environmental targets.

But the big question is how central banks will respond to high inflation during this period of tentative growth. If interest rates rise too fast, growth will be stifled. Too slow, and consumer demand could collapse. Just right, and the FTSE 100 could rise even higher.


This information has been prepared by IG, a trading name of IG Limited. In addition to the disclaimer below, the material on this page does not contain a record of our trading prices, or an offer of, or solicitation for, a transaction in any financial instrument. IG accepts no responsibility for any use that may be made of these comments and for any consequences that result. No representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this information. Consequently any person acting on it does so entirely at their own risk. Any research provided does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and needs of any specific person who may receive it. It has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such is considered to be a marketing communication. Although we are not specifically constrained from dealing ahead of our recommendations we do not seek to take advantage of them before they are provided to our clients.
CFDs are a leveraged products. CFD trading may not be suitable for everyone and can result in losses that exceed your initial deposit, so please ensure that you fully understand the risks involved.

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