The FTSE 100 index is one of the most widely followed indicators of the performance of the UK stock market. It tracks the share prices of the 100 largest companies listed on the London Stock Exchange, representing about 80% of the total market capitalization. The index is updated every 15 seconds and is often used as a benchmark for investors, fund managers and analysts.
But which FTSE 100 stocks have attracted the most attention from online users in 2023 so far? Using data from Google Trends, we have compiled a list of the top 10 most searched FTSE 100 stocks in the first nine months of the year. Here are some of the highlights:
Unilever (ULVR) was the most searched FTSE 100 stock, with an average monthly search volume of 165,000. The consumer goods giant, which owns brands such as Dove, Ben & Jerry’s and Lipton, reported strong growth in emerging markets and e-commerce sales in its half-year results. However, it also faced challenges from rising commodity costs and currency headwinds.
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AstraZeneca (AZN) ranked second, with an average monthly search volume of 135,000. The pharmaceutical company was in the spotlight for its role in developing and distributing one of the main Covid-19 vaccines, which has been administered to more than a billion people worldwide. AstraZeneca also announced several positive developments in its pipeline of new drugs, such as Lynparza for ovarian cancer and Forxiga for heart failure.
BP (BP) came third, with an average monthly search volume of 110,000. The oil and gas major benefited from the recovery in oil prices, which reached their highest levels since 2014. BP also made progress in its transition to a low-carbon energy company, with investments in renewable projects such as offshore wind farms and solar plants.
Tesco (TSCO) was fourth, with an average monthly search volume of 90,000. The supermarket chain delivered a solid performance in its core UK and Ireland markets, despite facing increased competition from online rivals and discounters. Tesco also completed the sale of its businesses in Thailand and Malaysia, returning £5 billion to shareholders.
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) rounded out the top five, with an average monthly search volume of 74,000. The healthcare group announced plans to split into two separate companies by mid-2022: one focused on pharmaceuticals and vaccines, and the other on consumer healthcare products. GlaxoSmithKline also reported positive results from its trials of a new Covid-19 antibody treatment and a malaria vaccine.
BAE Systems (BA.) tops the list for the most searched FTSE 100 stock of 2023, with an average of 961,349 monthly searches in the UK. The aerospace and defense company’s stock are the most searched stock in cities such as Glasgow (27,080 average monthly searches) and Edinburgh (24,827 average monthly searches). BAE Systems was the most searched stock in 20 out of the 58 surveyed UK locales.
JD Sports (JD.) is the most searched FTSE 100 stock in 2023, with 736,440 average monthly UK searches. The apparel retailer was the most searched stock in 28 out of the 58 surveyed UK locales, with it being the most searched for cities such as Birmingham (67,606 average monthly searches), Liverpool (35,911 average monthly searches), and Manchester (30,345 average monthly searches).
Lloyds Banking Group (LLOY) has the most searched FTSE 100 stock in 2023, with 378,949 average monthly searches. The bank is the most searched in seven of the 58 surveyed UK locales, featuring in cities such as Swansea (6,631 average monthly searches), York (4,686 average monthly searches), and Chester (3,900 average monthly searches).
With 239,976 average monthly searches, SSE Plc (SSE) is the most searched FTSE 100 stock in 2023. The energy company was the most searched stock in Dundee, with 7,530 average monthly searches, and Inverness, with 6,455 average monthly searches.
BT (BT. A) ranks as the most searched FTSE 100 stock in 2023, with 165,640 average monthly searches, while International Consolidated Airlines (IAG) ranks seventh, with 140,374 average monthly searches. International Consolidated Airlines was the second most searched stock in Bath, while BT was the third most searched stock in Canterbury.
Barclays (BARC) and Rolls-Royce Holdings (RR.) round out the top 10 most searched FTSE 100 stocks in 2023, with 125,900, 116,523, and 92,121 average monthly searches respectively. Rolls-Royce Holdings was also the most searched stock in Derby, with 12,590 average monthly searches.
Simon Jones, CEO of Investing Reviews, said, “It is always useful to know which stocks are generating interest, as it may provide insight into which stocks may experience higher trading volumes and price swings.
BAE Systems has the most searched FTSE 100 stock in 2023 and is the most searched stock in 20 out of 58 of the surveyed UK locales. This stands to reason, as BAE Systems’ stock has experienced a large increase in price since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022. This is due to BAE Systems being one of the UK’s primary defense companies, who have also produced a large part of the equipment the UK has given to Ukraine in military aid.”