The UK's FTSE 100 index is having quite the comeback year. A 22% rally in 2025 marks the strongest annual performance we've seen since 2009—right after the global financial crisis. That's a pretty significant milestone for Britain's flagship equity benchmark.

What does this mean for broader markets? It signals growing investor confidence in UK equities after years of Brexit-related uncertainty and economic headwinds. The bounce back is notable—we're talking about over a decade and a half before seeing a year this strong.

For those tracking macro trends and asset allocation strategies, this rebound matters. When traditional markets like FTSE 100 gain this much momentum, it shifts how investors balance their portfolios between established equities and alternative assets like crypto. The traditional finance rally could indicate either renewed risk appetite or economic stabilization—or both.

The question now: is this sustainable, or are we looking at a temporary spike? Either way, a 22% annual gain is something institutional investors can't ignore.