What are the top 10 FTSE 100 companies now?

Highlights

·      The FTSE100 index is the UK’s most popular index as the companies listed on it often pay healthy dividends.

·      The recession fear has been worrying investors amid UK inflation hit a new high of 9% in April.

 The FTSE 100 index, which stands for Financial Times Stock Exchange 100 Index, includes the 100 largest public companies in the UK with the highest market capitalization. It is the most popular index as the companies listed on it often pay healthy dividends.

Investing in blue-chip companies has become a popular way to gain exposure to the UK stock market. The index is full of mining, fossil fuel, financial, and tobacco companies.   

Amid the fears of soaring costs, the Bank of England has warned that the economy may slide into recession in the coming months as inflation may go as high as 10%. This would put extra pressure on the household budget. 

At present, UK investors are concerned about stagflation and recession and want to make the most of the situation. Experts feel the present situation is an apt opportunity to invest in fundamentally strong stocks with better prospects for the long term.

Let us look at 10 top London Stock Exchange-listed companies.

 

1.     Shell Plc (LON: SHEL)

The market cap of the multinational oil and gas company stands at £176,415.00 million, as of 25 May 2022.  The company has given a significant return of 70.38% to its shareholders over the last one year as of 25 May 2022, while its year-to-date return stood at 47.98%. Shell Plc’s shares were trading at GBX 2,399.00, up by 1.40%, at 2:50 PM (GMT), on 25 May 2022.

 

2.     AstraZeneca Plc (LON: AZN)

The market cap of a British-Swedish multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology company was £164,212.20 million as of 25 May 2022.  The company has given a significant return of 29.82% to its shareholders over the last one year as of 25 May 2022, while its year-to-date return stood at 21.87%. AstraZeneca Plc’s shares were trading at GBX 10,572.00, down by 0.25%, at 2:50 PM (GMT), on 25 May 2022.

 

Also Read: SHEL, HBR, BP.: FTSE stocks to consider if windfall tax is imposed

 

3.     HSBC Holdings Plc (LON: HSBA)

The market cap of the multinational financial services company was £104,325.56 million as of 25 May 2022.  The company has given a significant return of 17.46% to its shareholders over the last one year as of 25 May 2022, while its year-to-date return stood at 16.93%. HSBC Holdings Plc’s shares were trading at GBX 524.40, up by 1.06%, at 2:50 PM (GMT), on 25 May 2022.

 

4.     Unilever Plc (LON: ULVR)

The market cap of the multinational consumer goods company stood at £90,422.22 million as of 25 May 2022.  The company has given a negative return of 17.82% to its shareholders over the last one year as of 25 May 2022, while its year-to-date return stood at -11.05%. Unilever Plc’s shares were trading at GBX 3,511.00, down by 0.85%, at 2:50 PM (GMT), on 25 May 2022.

 

5.     GSK Plc (LON: GSK)

The market cap of the multinational healthcare company stands at £90,596.43 million as of 25 May 2022.  The company has given a significant return of 31.34% to its shareholders over the last one year as of 25 May 2022, while its year-to-date return stood at 10.78%. GSK Plc’s shares were trading at GBX 1,780.80, down by 0.07%, at 2:50 PM (GMT), on 25 May 2022.

 

iageo Plc (LON: DGE)

The market cap of the multinational healthcare company stands at £83,079.61 million as of 25 May 2022.  The company has given a return of 6.99% to its shareholders over the last one year as of 25 May 2022, while its year-to-date return stands at -10.13%. Diageo Plc’s shares were trading at GBX 3,627.00, down by 0.04%, at 2:50 PM (GMT), on 25 May 2022.

 

BP Plc (LON: BP.)

The market cap of the multinational oil and gas company was £82,067.20 million as of 25 May 2022.  The company has given a significant return of 35.93% to its shareholders over the last one year as of 25 May 2022, while its year-to-date return stands at 30.06%. BP Plc’s shares were trading at GBX 429.50, UP by 1.39%, at 2:50 PM (GMT), on 25 May 2022.

 

8.     British American Tobacco Plc (LON: BATS)

The market cap of the world’s leading tobacco company was £79,177.19 million as of 25 May 2022.  The company has given a return of 23.15% to its shareholders over the last one year as of 24 May 2022, while its year-to-date return stands at 31.17%. British American Tobacco Plc’s shares were trading at GBX 3,584.00, UP by 2.72%, at 2:50 PM (GMT), on 25 May 2022.

 

Also Read: MNG, IMB, DEC: Stocks you may invest in for retirement amid recession fears

 

9.     Rio Tinto Plc (LON: RIO)

The market cap of the leading global mining company was £69,222.72 million as of 25 May 2022.  The company has given a negative return of 5.76% to its shareholders over the last one year as of 25 May 2022, while its year-to-date return stands at 15.431%. Rio Tinto Plc’s shares were trading at GBX 5,652.00, up by 2.00%, at 2:50 PM (GMT), on 25 May 2022.

 

10.Glencore Plc (LON: GLEN)

The market cap of one of the world’s largest globally diversified natural resource companies stands at £68,307.80 million as of 25 May 2022.  The company has given a return of 67.99% to its shareholders over the last one year as of 25 May 2022, while its year-to-date return stands at 38.85%. Glencore Plc’s shares were trading at GBX 520.40, up by 0.19%, at 2:50 PM (GMT), on 25 May 2022.