Financial markets: Economic indicators

Economic indicators are quick-read summaries of the latest data focusing on different aspects of the UK economy. The full suite of indicators can be found on the main Economic Indicators page.

The FTSE-100 tracks the share-prices of the 100 largest companies listed on the London Stock Exchange. In 2020, the index fell sharply, as global shares fell amid fears of the economic impact of the covid-19 pandemic, closing at 4,994 on 23 March 2020, the lowest since October 2011. In February 2023, the FTSE passed 8,000 for the first time. The FTSE reached a series of record highs in 2025, closing above 9,000 for the first time on 21 July, and closed above 10,000 for the first time on 5 January 2026.

The price of Brent crude oil reached an all-time high above $145/barrel in July 2008. The price fell dramatically in 2020, owing to a collapse in demand due to the coronavirus pandemic, falling to $19.31 in April 2020, the lowest level since February 2002. The price reached $127/barrel on 8 March 2022, its highest since June 2008. In April 2025, the price fell below $60/barrel for the first time since February 2021. In March 2026, the price passed $100/barrel for the first time since August 2022, owing to restrictions in global oil supply following US-Israeli strikes on Iran and disruptions to oil exports through the strait ‌of Hormuz.

The nominal price of gold exceeded $1,800/ounce for the first time in August 2011. Despite some turbulence following the coronavirus outbreak, the price has generally risen from mid-2020 and passed $2,000/ounce for the first time in August 2020. The price of gold hit a series of record highs in 2025, passing $3,000/ounce for the first time in March 2025 and $4,000/ounce for the first time in October 2025. The price passed $5,000/ounce for the first time in January 2026, though has moderated since.

This page is updated on a weekly basis.