At this time of year, I like to make some predictions for the year ahead. I don’t make specific year-end forecasts. Instead, I provide some more general thoughts designed to help investors position their portfolios.
So what are my predictions for 2025? How did I fare this year? Before I do so, it’s worth looking at how my predictions for this year fared. This time last year, I said that: Now, the year’s not quite over and anything could happen in the next few weeks. But at this stage, it’s looking like I’ll get three out of three.
As I write, the FTSE 100’s up about 7.3% for the year. Add in dividends, and we could be looking at a total return of around 11%.
Meanwhile in Q2, the Footsie rose above 8,000. And since then, it has remained above this level most of the time. As for takeover activity, there’s been plenty.
Companies that have been targets include , , Darktrace, and (only the Darktrace deal’s been completed). More takeover activity As for my predictions for 2025, the first is that takeover activity’s going to continue. Right now, many Footsie companies look cheap.
So I reckon more opportunistic bids will come in. Stocks I believe could be takeover targets include healthcare company , hotel operator , and gambling group . All three are well off their highs at present.
No 10,000 milestone My second prediction is that the FTSE 100 won’t hit 10,000 in 2025. I do think there’s a chance the index could hit 9,000. But 10,000’s too much of a stretch f.