The FTSE 100 delivered a strong session on February 25, 2026, with multiple sectors — including banking, mining, insurance, and analytics — driving gains across the index. A combination of earnings beats, commodity price rallies, capital returns, analyst upgrades, and macroeconomic tailwinds has pushed several blue-chip names higher.

Below is a comprehensive, fully re-optimised analysis of the top nine FTSE 100 risers today, using the latest available market information.

Source: Kalkine Group

  1. Hiscox Ltd (LON: HSX) Shares Surge ~4.3% — Earnings Beat and Capital Returns Drive Rally

Why Is Hiscox Stock Rising Today?

Hiscox Ltd shares climbed approximately 4.3% after the specialist insurer reported full-year results that exceeded market expectations across key financial metrics.

The Bermuda-headquartered insurer demonstrated strong underwriting discipline, with improved combined ratios and profitability across its specialty insurance portfolio, including cyber insurance, property, and professional indemnity lines.

Key Catalysts

  • Full-year earnings beat analyst forecasts
    • Dividend increase signalling confidence in future cash flows
    • Expansion of share buyback programme to approximately $275 million
    • Continued strength in specialty insurance pricing (“hard market” conditions)

The combination of higher dividends and aggressive share repurchases has reinforced investor confidence, particularly among income-focused shareholders.

Investment Outlook

Hiscox trades on a relatively modest earnings multiple compared with peers, while maintaining strong capital reserves and growth in high-margin specialty segments such as cyber insurance. Analysts generally maintain a Buy consensus with upside potential remaining into 2026.

  1. Fresnillo PLC (LON: FRES) Jumps ~7.3% — Precious Metals Rally Accelerates Gains

Why Is Fresnillo Stock Up?

Fresnillo PLC gained roughly 7.3% as gold and silver prices continue their historic surge.

Gold remains above $5,100 per ounce, supported by geopolitical uncertainty, central bank buying, and expectations of global interest-rate cuts. Silver is also benefiting from strong industrial demand linked to solar energy and electronics manufacturing.

Major Drivers

  • Record-high precious metal prices
    • Continued central bank gold accumulation
    • Safe-haven demand amid geopolitical tensions
    • Bullish long-term commodity forecasts from major banks

Fresnillo’s dual exposure to gold and silver gives it leveraged upside to both safe-haven demand and green-energy-driven industrial demand.

Investment Outlook

While some analysts believe the rally may be approaching fair value levels, structural demand for precious metals remains strong, supporting medium-term upside potential.

  1. St. James’s Place PLC (LON: STJ) Rises ~5.8% — Analyst Upgrade and Earnings Optimism

Why Is STJ Stock Climbing?

St. James's Place PLC advanced about 5.8% after receiving an analyst upgrade and ahead of its full-year earnings announcement.

The UK wealth manager continues to benefit from strong new client inflows and improving investor confidence following regulatory reforms to its fee structure.

Key Growth Factors

  • UBS upgrade to Buy rating
    • Strong 2025 business inflows
    • Expanding UK wealth management market
    • Positive expectations ahead of earnings release

The firm’s adviser network model remains a competitive advantage in capturing long-term savings and retirement planning demand.

Investment Outlook

Despite strong 12-month performance, analysts still see upside potential, supported by structural growth in UK wealth assets and improving sentiment toward the sector.

  1. HSBC Holdings PLC (LON: HSBA) Gains ~5.9% — Profit Beat and Strong Guidance

Why HSBC Shares Are Rising

HSBC Holdings PLC surged nearly 5.9% after reporting 2025 pretax profit around $29.9 billion, beating expectations.

Revenue growth was driven by wealth management, insurance income, transaction banking, and foreign exchange activity.

Key Highlights

  • Profit beat analyst consensus
    • Strong net interest income guidance for 2026
    • Wealth management income up significantly
    • Attractive dividend payouts

HSBC’s Asia-focused strategy continues to deliver strong returns, supported by economic growth in the region.

Investment Outlook

The bank’s strong capital position and high dividend yield make it attractive for both growth and income investors.

  1. Antofagasta PLC (LON: ANTO) Climbs ~5.8% — Copper Supercycle Momentum

Why Antofagasta Is Up

Antofagasta PLC rose around 5.8% as copper prices exceeded $13,000 per tonne, driven by structural demand from artificial intelligence infrastructure and the global energy transition.

Key Catalysts

  • Record copper prices
    • Strong full-year earnings growth
    • Supply shortages in global copper market
    • Increased demand from EVs and data centres

Copper is increasingly viewed as a strategic commodity for electrification and decarbonisation, positioning Antofagasta as a major beneficiary.

Investment Outlook

The company offers one of the purest copper exposures in global equity markets, making it highly sensitive to commodity upside.

  1. Anglo American PLC (LON: AAL) Gains ~5.2% — Restructuring Strategy Drives Confidence

Why Anglo American Shares Are Rising

Anglo American PLC advanced approximately 5.2% following strong earnings and ongoing corporate restructuring.

The mining giant is reshaping its portfolio to focus on copper, premium iron ore, and crop nutrients — commodities with strong long-term demand outlooks.

Positive Drivers

  • Earnings beat across key metrics
    • Cost reduction programme delivering savings
    • Strategic portfolio transformation
    • Strong commodity price environment

Investment Outlook

Investors view the restructuring as a long-term value creation catalyst, particularly after the company rejected a takeover approach in 2024 and committed to independent growth.

  1. RELX PLC (LON: REL) Advances ~5.4% — Buybacks and Valuation Recovery

Why RELX Is Up

RELX PLC gained about 5.4% as the company continues an aggressive share buyback programme worth roughly £2.25 billion for 2026.

The stock had previously declined due to fears that artificial intelligence could disrupt its business model, but investor sentiment is beginning to stabilise.

Key Catalysts

  • Large share buyback activity
    • Attractive valuation following sell-off
    • Strong free cash flow generation
    • Integration of AI into products

Investment Outlook

RELX retains strong competitive advantages through proprietary data and high switching costs, suggesting long-term resilience despite AI disruption concerns.

  1. Metlen Energy & Metals PLC (LON: MTLN) Rises ~5.3% — Earnings Anticipation

Why Metlen Shares Are Rising

Metlen Energy & Metals PLC increased roughly 5.3% as investors positioned ahead of its earnings announcement.

The diversified group operates across energy, aluminium production, and infrastructure projects, providing multiple growth drivers.

Key Factors

  • Anticipation of earnings results
    • Exposure to European energy markets
    • Aluminium price support
    • Renewable energy expansion

Investment Outlook

The company’s diversified model and exposure to the energy transition create long-term growth potential, particularly after recent share price weakness.

  1. NatWest Group PLC (LON: NWG) Edges Higher by ~0.8% — Banking Sector Momentum Continues

Why NatWest Shares Are Rising

NatWest Group PLC moved higher around 0.8% as the UK banking sector continues to benefit from strong earnings and capital return programmes.

Key Drivers

  • Earnings beat expectations
    • Analyst price target upgrades
    • Attractive dividend yield near 5%
    • Strong capital ratios

The removal of government ownership overhang has also contributed to improved investor sentiment.

Investment Outlook

NatWest remains one of the strongest domestic UK banking plays with solid income potential and improving profitability metrics.

FTSE 100 Market Themes Driving Today’s Gains

Several macro and sector-specific trends are influencing market performance:

  • Commodity supercycle driven by electrification and AI
    • Banking profitability supported by interest rate environment
    • Strong capital returns across sectors
    • Earnings resilience among blue-chip companies
    • Investor rotation into value and cyclicals

These themes suggest continued volatility but also significant opportunity across the FTSE 100.

Conclusion: What Investors Should Watch Next

The February 25 session highlights how earnings momentum, commodity trends, and capital allocation strategies are driving market leadership.

Key sectors to monitor going forward:

  • Mining and commodities
    • Global banking
    • Insurance
    • Data analytics and AI-enabled services
    • Energy transition infrastructure

If macroeconomic conditions remain supportive, several of today’s top risers could maintain upward momentum into the second quarter of 2026.

Important Note: This document is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, financial advice, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Stock prices and market conditions change rapidly. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Always conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial adviser before making investment decisions. The information contained herein was compiled on February 25, 2026, and may not reflect current market conditions.