UK Stocks – London Stock Exchange (LSE) and FTSE 100, Prices and Analysis

The London Stock Exchange (LSE) is Europe's largest securities exchange and one of the world's most significant. The FTSE 100 index tracks the performance of the 100 largest companies on the London Stock Exchange. The United Kingdom is particularly strong in energy, finance, healthcare and consumer goods sectors.

On this page you will find the most important London Stock Exchange shares, the most popular companies and high dividend yield stocks. Prices are delayed by 15 minutes.

London Stock Exchange shares

Shares from the London Stock Exchange (LSE). Prices are delayed by 15 minutes. Note: UK stocks are often quoted in pence (GBX), not pounds (GBP).

#StockPriceChange
1ASTRAZENECA PLC ORD SHS $0.25 logo
AZN
£15,316.00+1.96%
2SHELL PLC ORD EUR0.07 logo
SHEL
£3,543.50+2.90%
3HSBC HOLDINGS PLC ORD $0.50 (UK logo
HSBA
£1,272.80-1.07%
4GSK PLC ORD 31 1/4P logo
GSK
£2,144.00+1.76%
5UNILEVER PLC ORD 3.5P logo
ULVR
£4,172.50-0.35%
6RIO TINTO PLC ORD 10P logo
RIO
£7,102.00-0.22%
7BP PLC $0.25 logo
BP
£591.20+2.64%
8VODAFONE GROUP PLC ORD USD0.20  logo
VOD
£115.05+1.23%
9BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO PLC OR logo
BATS
£4,407.00+2.18%
10LLOYDS BANKING GROUP PLC ORD 10 logo
LLOY
£97.94+0.25%

Most followed UK stocks

The most internationally followed companies on the London Stock Exchange.

FTSE 100 — London's top 100

The FTSE 100 (Financial Times Stock Exchange 100 Index) contains the 100 largest companies on the London Stock Exchange by market capitalisation. It is the UK's most important equity index and a key benchmark for international investors.

London Stock Exchange dividend companies

British companies — particularly energy and financial sector players — are known for their strong dividend culture. Many FTSE 100 companies pay dividends twice a year.

View all dividend companies

Largest London Stock Exchange companies

The largest London Stock Exchange companies by market capitalisation.

Sectors on the London Stock Exchange

The London Stock Exchange is particularly strong in energy, finance and healthcare.

London Stock Exchange characteristics

Prices quoted in pence (GBX)

Many UK shares are quoted on the London Stock Exchange in pence (GBX), not pounds (GBP). One GBP equals 100 GBX. Data systems often show prices in pence, so the figure may appear 100x larger than the actual value in pounds.

Currency risk — British pound (GBP)

When investing in UK stocks from a euro base, GBP/EUR exchange rate fluctuations must be considered. Brexit has increased pound volatility. A weakening pound reduces returns for euro-based investors.

Internationally oriented companies

Many FTSE 100 companies, such as Shell, HSBC and AstraZeneca, operate globally. Their earnings come primarily from other currencies, so pound-related currency risk is smaller than one might expect.

Frequently asked questions about the London Stock Exchange

How do I identify a London Stock Exchange share?

London Stock Exchange shares have the .L suffix in their ticker symbol, for example AZN.L (AstraZeneca) or SHEL.L (Shell). Prices are usually quoted in pence (GBX).

What is the FTSE 100?

The FTSE 100 is a market capitalisation-weighted index of the 100 largest companies on the London Stock Exchange. It is the UK's most important equity index. The FTSE 250 covers the next 250 largest companies and better reflects the UK domestic market.

Can a Finnish investor invest in the London Stock Exchange?

Yes. Most Finnish brokers provide access to the London Stock Exchange. Trading takes place in British pounds or pence, so the exchange rate affects returns. Also note the potential UK withholding tax on dividends.

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