Top Performing UK Stocks In 2025

The UK stock market has had a largely successful performance in 2025, with the FTSE 100 posting a 12% increase between 2 January and 26 September. Despite uncertainties in the global markets, UK stocks, led by technology, healthcare, and green energy companies, are among the top-performing stocks globally.

A Review of the UK Stock Market: 2025 So far

The first three quarters of 2025 have seen positive momentum in the UK stock market, with large-cap stocks outperforming smaller-cap stocks. This is noticeable in the FTSE 100’s stronger performance against the FTSE 250. Data from TradingView shows that some stocks have hit as high as 1700% in performance over the last 12 months, driven by increased demand in various sectors.

The Bank of England’s (BoE) rate cuts in May and August, the US tariffs and the resultant market volatility, the UK’s sticky inflation, and the precious metals boom influenced the stock market this year. This year, the strong performance of the London Stock Market (LSE) has reduced the valuation gap between the UK equity market and other major markets.

The Top Performing UK Stocks in 2025

These stocks are selected based on the performance criteria over the last year and on a year-to-date (YTD) basis. The data is accessed from TradingView and is accurate as of press time.

ACG Metals Limited Class A (ACG)

ACG Metals Limited leads the list of the top-performing UK stocks in 2025 with a YTD of over +17,000%. The shares traded at 5.10 GBX on 1 January 2025 and closed at 927.50 GBX with a market capitalisation of £199.26 million as of 26 September 2025. The price reached an all-time high of 950.00 GBX on 16 September 2025.

Some factors driving this impressive growth are the improvements in financial and capital structure, operational efficiency, and the gold hedge (with about 50% of its projected gold production) to manage risks. Despite US tariffs affecting markets, ACG Metals Limited posted strong H1 results this year, citing solid performance and progress on the Gediktepe copper project.

Significant increases in commodity prices also contributed to the company’s increased value, with a 37%  and 27% increase in the realised gold and silver prices, respectively.

Smarter Web Company PLC (SWC)

SWC continues to make a name for itself as a digital company in the UK stock market. The company’s share price hit a 52-week high of 622.50 GBX on 20 June 2025, with a YTD performance of 3175.86%. Although it began trading in April this year, SWC’s valuation exploded from just under £4 million to over £1 billion within twelve weeks.

The company’s heavy investments in Bitcoin are the major driver of that growth. SWC severely purchased large amounts of Bitcoin and announced in September 2025 that it would partner with Coinbase Institutional for Bitcoin custody.

Although the YTD gain is massive, the market volatility has seen the price move within the 2.85 GBX to 630.00 GBX range in the last 52 weeks.

Fiinu PLC (BANK)

Fiinu PLC has performed remarkably well in 2025, with a YTD increase of +2065%. This year, the share price has struggled a bit, thanks to losses on first-half expenses. With a £46.82 million market cap, the software company is trading at 11.75 GBX. With the Moving Averages (EMA, 9.1 and SMA,8.5) indicating a strong buy, Fiinu PLC shares may see increased trading volume in the coming months. Important news about the company includes a £2 million convertible loan agreement with Conister Bank Ltd., and a positive H1 financial report for the year.

Defence Holdings PLC (ALRT)

Defence Holdings PLC (ALRT) experienced dramatic movement on the London Stock Exchange in 2025. This stock saw an incredible YTD return of about 1920.83% from January through September, surging from its low prices. The stock price was around 2.94 GBX from late September, with a market cap of  £59.45 million. The technical indicators point towards a strong buy signal reflecting the upward momentum.

The company's focus on AI-driven defence solutions and subsequent market announcements drove this significant investor interest and high trading volume. Caution remains due to high volatility, but the fundamental shift in business focus provides a strong narrative.

Mast Energy Developments PLC (MAST)

Mast Energy Developments PLC shares on the London Stock Exchange had a wildly volatile 2025. The company's focus shifted towards the AI data centre power market, which fueled massive growth. The year-to-date return from 2 January to 26 September 2025 was approximately 1521.88%, a huge increase from the starting price of 6.40 GBX.

However, this exceptional rally saw heavy fluctuation. Technical indicators by late September showed mixed signals, with the price trading above its 200 GBX day moving average but selling pressure appearing in short-term momentum data. Trading volume remained high, often over one million shares, suggesting strong investor interest. MAST stock closed on 26 September at 103.00 GBX.

HSBC Holdings PLC (HSBA)

HSBC Holdings shares showed strong performance on the LSE in 2025. The stock closed at 1,038.80 GBX on 26 September 2025 near its 52-week high of 1,045.20 GBX. The year-to-date return from 1 January 1 to 26 September 2025 was a significant 57.56%, calculated from its 2024 closing price of 659.30 GBX. 

This is driven by technical metrics, including a P/E (TTM) of 13.84 and an annual dividend yield of 4.80%. The bank is focused on maintaining a mid-teens Return on Average Tangible Equity excluding notable items. The Market Cap stood at approximately £178.51 billion. The price action confirms strong bullish momentum this year.  

Can UK Stocks Close 2025 Strong?

The FTSE 100 remained unfazed despite new US tariffs as investors stuck with UK companies. There’s every sign that the LSE can close firmly this year,  with increased trading activity as the holiday season and winter approach. However, BoE rate cuts and global factors may influence performance, and are essential factors to consider.