FTSE 100 risers today: why the index is closing in on 11,000
The FTSE 100 is heading for another positive session on Thursday, with futures pointing to a further push toward the 11,000 milestone. Strong corporate earnings updates and an improving geopolitical backdrop are lifting sentiment across UK blue-chip shares. This article looks at today's biggest FTSE 100 risers and fallers, what's driving the move, and what it means for UK investors watching the index. This is general market commentary, not personalised investment advice.
Key takeaway
- Next Plc shares rallied over 5% after the retailer raised its full-year profit guidance (Sunday Guardian Live, 6 August 2026).
- Glencore shares rose more than 3.5% after reporting an 86% rise in profit and announcing a $500 million share buyback (Sunday Guardian Live, 6 August 2026).
- Coca-Cola HBC gained over 4% on robust sales growth (Sunday Guardian Live, 6 August 2026).
- Easing Middle East tensions around the Strait of Hormuz are also supporting broader risk appetite (Sunday Guardian Live, 6 August 2026).
- Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results - a single day's risers and fallers do not signal a lasting trend.
10,888.30
FTSE 100 close, 5 Aug 2026
+5%
Next Plc share move
+86%
Glencore profit growth
What's driving the FTSE 100 higher today
The FTSE 100 is being lifted by a combination of strong company earnings and an improving mood around global geopolitical risk. Futures indicated the index would push towards 11,000 points on Thursday, extending Wednesday's 0.15% gain. (AJ Bell, 5 August 2026).
Corporate earnings boosting sentiment
Several heavyweight results releases have driven individual stock moves this week. Next Plc raised its full-year profit guidance and its shares rallied over 5% (Sunday Guardian Live, 6 August 2026). Glencore reported an 86% increase in profit for the period and unveiled a $500 million share buyback programme, sending its shares up more than 3.5% (Sunday Guardian Live, 6 August 2026). Coca-Cola HBC also rose over 4% on the back of strong sales growth (Sunday Guardian Live, 6 August 2026).
Easing Middle East risk
Sentiment has also been helped by comments suggesting progress in talks around reopening the Strait of Hormuz shipping route, which had been a source of oil-supply concern (Sunday Guardian Live, 6 August 2026). Lower perceived geopolitical risk tends to support broader risk appetite across equity markets, including the FTSE 100.
Today's biggest FTSE 100 risers
Based on reporting from Wednesday's session, the following stocks were among the standout FTSE 100 movers (AJ Bell, 5 August 2026; Sunday Guardian Live, 6 August 2026):
| Company | Move | Reason |
| Glencore | +3.5% | 86% profit rise, $500m buyback announced |
| Next Plc | +5% | Raised full-year profit guidance |
| Coca-Cola HBC | +4% | Strong sales growth reported |
Today's FTSE 100 fallers
Not every part of the index moved in the same direction. Hargreaves Lansdown's Wednesday close-of-play roundup noted that Asia-focused financial stocks came under pressure even as the wider index ended higher, with weaker Asia-linked banks offsetting gains elsewhere (Hargreaves Lansdown, 5 August 2026).
- Asia-focused financial stocks lagged as the broader index advanced (Hargreaves Lansdown, 5 August 2026).
- Fallers on any given day tend to reflect stock-specific news or regional exposure rather than a change in the underlying UK economic picture.
What this means for UK investors
A strong day for FTSE 100 risers and fallers is useful context, but it is only a snapshot. A single session's move - even a run of a few positive days - is not the same as a durable trend, and it isn't a signal to buy or sell any individual stock.
For investors who want exposure to the index as a whole rather than picking individual shares one at a time, a stocks and shares ISA is one way to hold UK equities or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that track the index inside a tax-efficient wrapper. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may be subject to change.
Investors with a longer time horizon may also consider holding FTSE 100 exposure inside a self-invested personal pension (SIPP), which offers similar tax advantages for retirement saving.
- Daily risers and fallers reflect company-specific news as much as broader market direction.
- Diversification across sectors can reduce the impact of any single stock's move on a portfolio.
- A stocks and shares ISA can be used to hold a diversified basket of UK shares or funds tax-efficiently.
Quick fact
The FTSE 100 has been within touching distance of the 11,000 level for the first time in its history, according to same-day market reporting (AJ Bell, 5 August 2026).
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FAQ
What is causing the FTSE 100 to rise today?
A combination of strong corporate earnings updates, including from Next, Glencore and Coca-Cola HBC, and improved sentiment around Middle East geopolitical risk, is supporting the index (AJ Bell, 5 August 2026; Sunday Guardian Live, 6 August 2026).
Which stocks are the biggest FTSE 100 risers today?
Next, Glencore and Coca-Cola HBC were among the standout risers this week, each moving more than 3.5% on company-specific news (Sunday Guardian Live, 6 August 2026).
Is the FTSE 100 close to a record high?
The index closed at 10,888.30 on 5 August 2026, just below the 11,000 level, according to same-day reporting (AJ Bell, 5 August 2026). Markets move daily, so this level can change quickly.
How can I invest in the FTSE 100?
UK investors can gain exposure to the index through individual constituent shares or FTSE 100 tracker funds, which can be held inside a stocks and shares ISA. Capital at risk; the value of investments can go down as well as up.
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.
Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may be subject to change. Seek independent advice.
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This information has been prepared by IG, a trading name of IG Markets 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. See full non-independent research disclaimer and quarterly summary.
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