The FTSE 100 Index has rebounded in the past few months, moving from a low of £7,542 in April to £8,800 today, July 1. It has jumped by 16%, and is hovering near its all-time high.
Footsie’s V-shaped recovery has mirrored that of other global indices like the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100, which have jumped and reached their all-time highs in the past few months.
This article highlights some of the top FTSE 100 Index shares to watch in the year’s second half.
Rolls-Royce Holdings (RR)
Rolls-Royce Holdings is one of the top FTSE 100 shares to watch in the year’s second half. It had a great first half of the year as it jumped to a record high of 964p, up from 567p on January 1. This growth makes it one of the best-performing companies in the Footsie.
The stock will be in the spotlight due to its growing market share in key industries such as civil aviation, power, and defense. Its aviation business is doing well as airlines continue thriving and as demand for airline engines jump.
The power division is benefiting from the ongoing demand for small modular reactors. Technology companies are also investing heavily in the data center.
Rolls-Royce has also benefited from the recent conflicts that have pushed countries to boost their defense spending. For example, Donald Trump has called upon NATO members to boost their defense budget to at least 5% of the GDP.
Lloyds Bank (LLOY)
Lloyds Bank, the biggest domestic banking group in the UK, has also done well this year so far. It jumped to a multi-year high of 76p, up from 52p in January and 30p in 2022.
Lloyds, like other European banks, has performed well due to ongoing dividend growth and total returns. Its dividend yield has increased to 3.95%, and the company continues to repurchase its stock. Its goal is to move its CET1 ratio from 13.5% today to 13% by the end of last year.
Lloyds Bank will be in the spotlight because of the upcoming actions of the Bank of England (BoE), which is expected to cut interest rates later this year.
The company will also be in the spotlight due to the motor insurance crisis being reviewed by the Supreme Court. This case revolves around the legality of commissions between car dealerships and lenders. Lloyds has already set aside over a billion pounds to deal with the crisis.
Read more: Top 3 reasons to buy Lloyds Bank shares
BT Group (BT.A)
BT Group is another FTSE 100 Index stock to watch this year after it jumped sharply lately. It jumped to nearly 200p, up by 101% from its lowest level in 2024.
BT Group share price has jumped because of its strong financials and investments. The most recent results showed that its revenue dropped by about 2% last year to £20.5 billion. Its profit before tax rose by 12% to £1.3 billion, while the profit after tax rose by 23% to £1.05 billion.
Aviva (AV)
Aviva is another top FTSE 100 stock to watch after rising by over 32% this year. This growth makes it one of the best-performing companies in the UK this year.
Aviva’s business has done well because of the turnaround efforts by Amanda Blanc. She has exited key international markets, and put an emphasis on the domestic market.
One of her biggest actions was to acquire Direct Line, a top insurance company in the UK. Therefore, Aviva will be in the spotlight as investors watch her turnaround efforts and whether they are generating substantial returns.
The other top FTSE 100 Index companies to watch are St. James Place, NatWest, Barclays, and BAE Systems.
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