5 Best and 5 Worst FTSE 100 Stocks of 2021 so far

Summary

• The UK’s blue-chip index FTSE 100 has returned 10.01 per cent on a year-to-date basis this year and is among relatively better performing indices across the world.
• Some of the best performing FTSE 100 stocks this year includes Royal Mail, Lloyds Bank and more

The FTSE 100 index has been among one of the relatively better performing indices across the world. We have crossed the halfway mark of the year and the blue-chip index has given a year-to-date return of 10.01 per cent as of 12 July.

FTSE 100 index constituents are among the largest equities globally thereby investors seeking to invest in high quality stock can take a look at how the UK’s key index’s stocks have performed this year so far.

In this article, we take a look at the top-performing and the worst-performing stocks of the FTSE 100 index.

The 5 best performing FTSE 100 listed stocks this year so far:

1. Glencore PLC (LON: GLEN)

Glencore is one of the world’s largest natural resource firms and is listed on the FTSE 100 index. The company recently announced a loan deal worth up to US $450 million with metals major GFG Alliance wherein Glencore will refinance the debt on GFG Alliance’s aluminium business division after its key lender had collapsed earlier this year. The deal also involves commodity trading firm Trafigura.

Furthermore, due to coal being up to a decade high level, it has helped boost the company’s stock performance as well.

Glencore’s market cap stands at £42.557 billion and its year to date return stands at 34.53 per cent, as of 12 July 2021.

Also Read: Glencore Hits 52-Week High as Company Restarts Dividend Payment

2. Anglo American PLC (LON: AAL)

Anglo American is a global mining company. It recently announced a multi-year contract with Australian hauling and materials handling company Bis getting the supply of custom high payload equipment solutions for AAL’s rejects haulage and other services.

Anglo American’s market cap stands at £40.770 billion and its year-to-date return stands at 20.25 per cent.

3. Ashtead Group PLC (LON: AHT)

Ashtead Group is a global industrial equipment rental firm. It recently announced its Q4 2021 results, reporting surge in revenue for the quarter of 23 per cent to £1.271 billion from £1.125 billion in Q4 2020.

Ashtead’s market cap stands at £24.793 billion and its year-to-date return stands at 62.65 per cent.

4. Royal Mail PLC (LON: RMG)

Royal Mail is a global mail delivery company based in the UK. The company had reported an increase in its group adjusted operating profit of 116.0 per cent in FY 2021. It has also reported that the company’s parcels business revenue rose by 38.7 per cent but was partly offset by a decline in letters of 12.5 per cent in FY 2021.

Royal Mail’s market cap stands at £5.788 billion and its year-to-date return stands at 69.38 per cent.

5. Lloyds Banking Group PLC (LON: LLOY)

FTSE 100 listed and British banking major Lloyds Banking Group has announced its plans to set up a build to rent venture. The group aims to acquire up to 800 houses in build developments by the end of 2022.

Lloyds Banking Group’s market cap stands at £33.150 billion and its year-to-date return stands at 27.18 per cent. 

Now let us take a closer look at some of the worst-performing FTSE 100 listed stocks of this year.

The 5 worst performing FTSE 100 listed stocks this year so far:

1. London Stock Exchange Group PLC (LON: LSEG)

The London Stock Exchange Group is a global financial market data and infrastructure company. The group reported that its Q1 2021 total income rose by just 3.9 per cent due to strong growth in its data and analytics and also its capital markets business segments.

Also Read: FTSE 100: Top 10 Buzzing Stocks on LSE

London Stock Exchange Group’s market cap stands at £39.838 billion, and its year-to-date returns are at negative, at negative 11.61 per cent.

2. Flutter Entertainment PLC (LON: FLTR)

Flutter Entertainment is involved in sports betting, gaming, and related services. Reports have recently emerged that the company’s spin-off business Fan Duel will be delayed until next year.

Flutter Entertainment’s market cap stands at £22.626 billion and its year-to-date return stands at a negative 15.85 per cent.

3. Ocado Group PLC (LON: OCDO)

Ocado Group is a UK based online grocery retail company. The group recently announced a partnership with retail firm Auchan retail to help develop Auchan owned Alcampo’s online business based in Spain using the Ocado smart platform.

Ocado Group’s market cap stands at £14.330 billion and its year-to-date return stands at a negative 15.17 per cent.

4. Unilever PLC (LON: ULVR)

Unilever is one of the biggest FMCG companies, having multinational operations. According to investment bank JP Morgan, the company is facing risk of rising inflation in raw materials, particularly among the consumer goods sectors.  The UK’s consumer price index rose to 2.9 per cent in May this year sparking inflation concerns. 

Unilever’s market cap stands at £112.118 billion and its year-to-date return stands at a negative 2.14 per cent.

5. Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC (LON: RKT)

Reckitt Benckiser is a UK based consumer goods firm. The company recently agreed to pay a class action settlement worth up to US $50 million for false benefit claims regarding its Schiff Move Free Advanced products.

Reckitt Benckiser Group’s market cap stands at £45.928 billion and its year-to-date return stands at a negative 0.81 per cent.