Most Searched FTSE 100 Stocks

According to a recent study, oil and gas giant BP is the most searched FTSE 100 stock worldwide, with an estimated 994,800 monthly global searches.

• BP (LSE: BP) is the most Googled FTSE 100 stock globally, with almost one million monthly searches
• Intl Consolidated Airlines (LSE: IAG) and BT Group (LSE: BT.A) are the second and most searched, respectively
• The UK and the US drive over four-fifths of the global traffic for FTSE 100 stocks

The study, by UK financial services provider CMC Markets, analyzed Google search data for the stocks listed on the London Stock Exchange FTSE 100 Index and found that BP, International Consolidated Airlines, and BT Group are the most searched globally.

Of all FTSE 100 stocks, BP (LSE: BP), which announced record profits of £23 billion, is the most searched globally, with almost one million monthly searches. A fifth of the top ten searches is for BP. Nearly nine-tenths (88%) of its global search volume comes from the UK and the US. BP’s market cap and price are currently ranked fifth and 72nd, respectively.

International Consolidated Airlines (LSE: IAG) has the second-highest global search volume of almost 580,000. It is Spain’s most searched FTSE 100 stock, representing an estimated one in six searches. IAG’s market cap is currently the 54th highest out of the index, and its price is 92nd.

With over 560,000 monthly searches, telecommunications company BT Group (LSE: BT.A) ranks third. India, Spain, and Ireland search for BT stock most after the UK. BT currently has the 36th highest market cap and one of the lowest prices, in 94th place.

Oil & gas company Shell (LSE: SHEL), which also announced record profits of £32 billion, is the fourth most searched with over 462,000 monthly searches. It is the most searched FTSE 100 stock in Europe by country count, topping searches in 12, including Belgium, Netherlands, Finland, and Germany. Shell’s market cap is the highest in the FTSE 100, and its price is the 26th highest.

Banking group Barclays (LSE: BARC) stock is fifth at over 448,000 monthly searches, 95% of which are for its price. Its market cap and price are currently 22nd and 91st-highest, respectively.

Retailer Tesco (LSE: TSCO) has the sixth-highest monthly search volume of over 446,000. Its stock price is searched in over 60 countries. Currently, Tesco has the 31st largest market cap. The price of this stock is the 86th highest in the FTSE 100.

Bank and financial services company HSBC Holdings (LSE: HSBA) ranks seventh with just over 335,000 monthly searches. HSBC’s market cap is currently ranked third, and its price is 69th – 345% and 257% greater than Barclays, respectively. HSBC is the most searched in Hong Kong and Malaysia.

Telecommunications company Vodafone (LSE: VOD) is the eighth most searched, with a monthly volume of over 284,800. Vodafone stock is the most searched FTSE 100 stock in India, contributing the second-largest search volume behind the UK. Vodafone’s market cap is currently ranked 24th. Its price is one of the lowest, 99th.

Pharmaceutical company GSK (LSE: GSK) is almost as popular as Vodafone in monthly searches, with over 284,200, making it the ninth most searched stock. GSK’s current market cap and price rank 10th and 42nd, respectively.

Pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca (LSE: AZN) has over 274,000 monthly searches and ranks tenth. It has one of the highest indexed prices, currently third. Its market cap is second-highest, behind Shell.

A spokesperson from CMC Markets commented:

“An estimated one in four stock searches come from outside the UK.

These findings highlight BP’s market reach and popularity as a publicly traded company. As it recently announced record-high annual profits, investors will likely watch the stock more intensely.

Oil and gas, pharmaceutical, telecommunications, and banking companies comprise the majority of the top ten most searched FTSE 100 stocks, highlighting consumer interest in these sectors and their financial performance.

The findings of the study can help investors make more informed decisions when it comes to investing in these stocks”.

 
This study was conducted by CMC Markets, a UK-based financial services company that offers online trading in shares, spread betting, contracts for difference, and foreign exchange across world markets.