AJ Bell Money & Markets The FTSE 100 passes 10,000 and is 2026 the year of the Mega IPO
Jan 9, 2026
The FTSE 100 hits record highs, driven by a shift towards income-focused stocks. Markets are seemingly unfazed by geopolitical tensions, focusing instead on tech and commodity fundamentals. Interesting discussions include the impact of US action in Venezuela on oil giants like Chevron. The potential for 2026 to be the year of Mega IPOs with major players like OpenAI and SpaceX poised for listing raises intriguing questions. Meanwhile, rising credit card debt signals caution for the UK high street, especially after Claire's collapse.
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FTSE 100 Rally Driven By Global Income Stocks
- The FTSE 100's 10,000 milestone reflects demand for global, dividend-paying, 'steady' stocks rather than a strong UK economy.
- Investors have rotated into income and defensive sectors to diversify away from speculative tech exposure.
Venezuela Action's Limited Near-Term Oil Impact
- Trump's moves on Venezuela created headlines but initial market impact was limited because Venezuela supplies ~1% of global oil.
- Restoring Venezuelan output will take years and big investment, so near-term oil price falls may persist.
AI Moves From Hype To Practical Integration
- CES showed AI being embedded into everyday products rather than being sold as hype alone.
- Companies now must demonstrate clear product integration and tangible customer benefits to satisfy investors.