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Highlights
- The blue-chip FTSE100 index emerged as one of the top-performing indices in the first three months of 2022.
- FTSE100’s total year-to-date return was at 2.88% as of 31 March 2022.
- The UK benchmark index outperformed many key US stock indices like S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite, supported by metal and mining stocks.
The blue-chip FTSE100 index emerged as one of the top-performing indices in the first three months of 2022. Despite several volatile trading sessions due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, mounting inflationary pressure, and anticipation of slower growth prospects in the country, the blue-chip index performed well.
FTSE100 posted a total year-to-date return of 2.88% as of 31 March 2022, outperforming many key US stock indices like S&P 500 (YTD return: -5.55%) and Nasdaq Composite (YTD return: -10.03%).
The index received support from metal and mining stocks which saw buying momentum from investors amid a gradual rise in the prices of key industrial metals in the international market because of supply uncertainty.
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Let us look at FTSE100 listed stocks that gave the highest year-to-date returns to investors and will these stocks continue to outperform in the remaining part of the year:
Glencore Plc (LON: GLEN)
The diversified metal and mining company is a major producer of over 90 commodities and has more than 150 mining sites.
For 12 months to 31 December 2021, Glencore reported a 43% rise in revenue to USD 203,751 million, mainly due to higher production output and higher metal prices in the international market amid post-pandemic economic recovery.
Glencore Plc’s current market cap stands at £65,856 million as of 01 April 2022. The stock has given a year-to-date return of 35.39% to its shareholders.
Anglo American Plc (LON: AAL)
London-headquartered company is one of the leading metal and mining companies that produce diamonds, copper, iron ore, and platinum.
Anglo American reported a 63% rise in revenue to USD 41,554 million for 12 months to 31 December 2021. Its underlying EBITDA increased by 111% to 20,634, mainly due to strong demand and higher commodity prices. The rough diamond production of the company increased by 29% to 32.3 million carats amid a recovery in consumer demand after the Covid-19 pandemic.
Anglo American Plc’s current market cap stands at £53,135 million as of 01 April 2022. The stock has given a year-to-date return of 34.18% to its shareholders.
Rio Tinto Plc (LON: RIO)
The metal mining company’s stock gave good returns to its shareholders in the first three months, triggered by an upbeat 2021 full-result announcement in February 2022 and two key acquisitions, which are expected to boost its future growth prospects.
Rio Tinto generated USD 25,345 million, a rise of 60% from its operating activities in 2021, driven mainly by the higher commodities prices. Also, the company completed the acquisition of the Rincon lithium project for USD 825 million and made an all-cash proposal to acquire full ownership of Turquoise Hill for USD 2.7 billion during the first three months.
Rio Tinto Plc’s current market cap stands at £75,964 million as of 01 April 2022. The stock has given a year-to-date return of 25.77% to its shareholders.
