FTSE 100 Index

The FTSE 100 is a stock index made up of one hundred high-value companies traded on the main market of the London Stock Exchange. Launched in 1984, the index is calculated by FTSE Russell, part of the London Stock Exchange Group. It is also known by the nickname 'Footsie'. The composition is reviewed four times a year, with companies entering or leaving the index according to changes in company value.

A significant share of the constituents are companies operating internationally in areas such as energy, mining, pharmaceuticals, banking and consumer goods. Because much of these companies' income comes from abroad, a weaker pound can at times support the FTSE 100. In this respect, the index reflects the performance of global companies more than the UK's domestic economy.

Bank of England interest rate decisions, commodity prices and global growth expectations stand out when following the index. On Lzzo.com, the FTSE 100 is shown in points using Yahoo Finance data; the index is not an asset that can be bought or sold directly.