10 Best FTSE 100 Stocks to Buy in 2026: Analysts Highlight Defence, Healthcare and Banking |
LONDON — With the FTSE 100 pushing past 10,000 points for the first time early in 2026 and delivering strong gains driven by defence spending, banking resilience and healthcare innovation, investors are eyeing a select group of blue-chip stocks for potential outperformance this year.
Analysts remain broadly bullish on the UK's flagship index, forecasting around 14% earnings growth and record dividend payouts of up to £86 billion across constituents. Sectors benefiting from geopolitical tensions, higher interest rates, commodity strength and demographic trends are drawing particular attention as the index eyes further records toward 11,000 or beyond.
Here is a look at 10 FTSE 100 stocks frequently cited by analysts and commentators in early 2026 as strong buys, based on growth potential, valuation, dividends and thematic tailwinds. Selections draw from recurring recommendations across defence, pharmaceuticals, financials, energy and consumer staples, with no single list universally agreed upon but clear consensus themes emerging.
BAE Systems (BA.) — Defence giant BAE Systems tops many long-term watchlists as global military spending surges. NATO commitments, European rearmament and ongoing geopolitical risks have fueled order books. Shares have performed strongly, with analysts highlighting consistent revenue visibility and reasonable valuations relative to growth prospects. The stock benefits from both organic expansion and potential acquisitions in the sector.
AstraZeneca (AZN) — The UK's most valuable company by market capitalization at around £230 billion early in the year, AstraZeneca continues to lead on pharmaceutical innovation. Its oncology and rare disease pipelines, combined with strategic collaborations, position it for sustained earnings growth. Healthcare themes tied to........