FTSE 100

The FTSE 100 Index (pronounced footsie) is a share index of the 100 most highly capitalized companies listed on the London Stock Exchange, begun on January 3, 1984. The index was developed with a base level of 1000 on that date. Component companies must meet a number of requirements set out by the FTSE Group, including having a full listing on the London Stock Exchange with a Sterling or Euro dominated price on SETS, and meeting certain tests on nationality, free float, and liquidity. Trading lasts from 0800-1629 (when the closing auction starts), and closing values are taken at 1635. The highest value of the index to date was 6950.6, set on December 30, 1999 ^{http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FTSE_100_Index}