Today, Friday, January 23, 2026, the FTSE 100 has provided a relatively calm end to what analysts have described as a “chaotic” trading week. The index is holding firm above the historic 10,000-point mark, currently trading around 10,144, down slightly by 0.06% as of mid-afternoon.
Here is the breakdown of today’s market-moving news:
1. Economic Data: A Double-Boost for London
The UK market received two significant pieces of positive data today, allowing it to outperform several European peers like the CAC 40 and DAX.
- Retail Sales Surprise: The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that retail sales volumes unexpectedly rose by 0.4% in December, beating forecasts of a 0.1% decline. This was largely driven by online retailers and a notable spike in demand for precious metals from online jewellers.
- PMI Growth Spurt: The S&P Global Flash UK Composite PMI jumped to 53.9 in January (up from 51.4 in December). This 21-month high suggests the UK private sector is expanding at its fastest rate since April 2024, signaling a robust start to the first quarter.
2. Gold Hits New All-Time High
The “yellow metal” continues its sensational rally, hitting another record high of $4,967.37 per ounce earlier today. Geopolitical risks and anxieties over global debt levels are driving investors toward gold, which has directly boosted the share prices of FTSE mining giants like Endeavour Mining and Fresnillo.
3. Corporate Leadership: Babcock’s Succession Plan
Defense engineering firm Babcock International saw its shares dip roughly 2.5% today following the announcement that CEO David Lockwood will retire by the end of 2026. He will be replaced by Harry Holt, the current head of Babcock’s Nuclear sector. Despite the slight share price drop, the company reaffirmed its confidence in hitting its 8% margin target for the 2026 financial year.
Today’s Market Leaders and Laggards
| Top Gainers | Change | Top Fallers | Change |
| Beazley plc | +2.69% | Admiral Group | -4.62% |
| Endeavour Mining | +2.39% | Aviva Plc | -4.53% |
| BP Plc | +2.38% | Burberry Group | -3.30% |
| BAE Systems | +1.56% | easyJet | -2.82% |
Key Market Indicators (at Midday)
- FTSE 100: 10,144.18 (-0.06%)
- Sterling (GBP/USD): $1.3521
- Brent Oil: $65.10/barrel
- Gold: $4,932.50/ounce
