The stocks with the highest market caps in the leading London Stock Exchange - the FTSE 100 - mirror the strength as well as the weaknesses of the British ecoomy
At the top of its game, the London market is the home of global leaders in energy (Shell and BP), in consumer goods (Unilever and Diageo), in healthcare (AstraZeneca and GlaxoSmithKline) and in defense (BAE Systems and Rolls Royce)
And the banking system is represented by leading European global banks and insurance ...
Weaknesses are as glaring as the established strength in traditional industries
Technology and Biotech Health Care are dramatically underrepresented and the companion theme "Next 50 FTSE listings" will ascertain that smaller cap stocks do not fare any better
The magnetic attraction of America's Nasdaq might overwhelm and London is loosing its attraction as financial hub
Semiconductor software desginer ARM opted for New York
To gain traction in growth industries, laser-focused support to promising segments where British R&D dominance is recognized, such as fintech and biotech, is a priority
With strong competition not only from New York's capital markets but from up-and-coming Asian hubs and post-Brexit fall-out for the financial sector, it is "all hands on deck"
Wil it be enough ?
