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Why trying products before buying matters in modern retail

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Shop price inflation remained subdued in February, confounding forecasts of a dramatic rise, as heavy discounting at fashion and non-food retailers helped keep prices in check.

Shopping has become faster, easier and more convenient than it used to be. A few taps on a phone can bring almost anything to the doorstep, often within days.

That kind of speed matters. So does variety. But convenience alone is no longer enough, especially in product categories where personal experience shapes the final decision.

Beauty and fragrance sit right in that space. People do not choose a perfume the same way they choose batteries. Scent is emotional. It is tied to memory, mood, skin chemistry and plain personal preference. A fragrance that smells refined on one person may feel too sharp or too sweet on someone else. That is why many shoppers want to test the fragrance first, even when they prefer buying online.

The challenge of buying sensory products online

Online retail does a lot well. It gives customers access to more brands, more price points and more reviews than most physical shops ever could. It also lets people take their time. They can read feedback, check ingredients and browse if they want to. Still, for sensory products, a screen can only take the customer so far.

A product page can describe a perfume as woody, powdery, smoky or fresh. It can list bergamot, jasmine, amber or musk. Reviews can help too. Yet none of that fully answers the real question in the buyer’s mind: will I actually like this on me?

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That hesitation is understandable. Fragrance is not static. It changes after application. The opening can feel bright and appealing, while the dry-down tells a different story twenty minutes later. Skincare and makeup carry the same uncertainty. Texture, finish, comfort and wear time are personal. What feels light to one person may feel greasy to another. What looks natural in one room can look completely different in daylight.

In a physical store, people deal with this uncertainty casually. They spray a tester, walk around, come back, compare two options, ask a question, then decide. Online shopping removes that in-between stage. It often turns a gradual decision into an immediate one. For some shoppers, that is fine. For others, it creates enough doubt to delay the purchase or skip it altogether.

Sampling as a bridge between discovery and purchase

This is where sampling earns its place. It gives people room to explore without asking them to commit too early. Instead of gambling on a full-size bottle, they can live with a smaller amount for a day or two and see what happens.

Trying a sample at home is also more honest than a rushed store test. People can wear it in normal life, not under shop lighting or around ten other perfumes in the air. They can see how it behaves in the morning, in the evening, outdoors or during a long day. They can notice whether they keep reaching for it or whether it starts to annoy them after an hour.

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Preference is rarely instant. Plenty of people have bought fragrances based on first impressions, only to realize later that the scent becomes too heavy, too flat or too loud once it settles. A sample reduces that risk. It gives the customer a better basis for judgment and removes some of the pressure that often comes with beauty purchases.

It also opens the door for curiosity. Someone who would never spend blindly on an unfamiliar perfume may happily try a smaller version first. That makes discovery feel enjoyable rather than expensive. Retailers such as Notino understand that this is not just about selling less before selling more. It is about letting the customer build certainty in a category where certainty matters.

Supporting informed and confident purchasing behaviour

When shoppers feel confident, buying gets easier. Confidence affects satisfaction, trust and the likelihood of coming back. A person who chooses well is less likely to regret the purchase, complain afterwards or send the product back.

This is especially important in online retail, where one poor experience can damage the relationship. If a customer orders a fragrance based on hype, receives it, dislikes it and feels misled, the issue is not only the product. The platform itself loses credibility. When the buying journey feels thoughtful and low-pressure, customers remember that too.

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There is a practical side to this. Returns are expensive. Disappointment creates friction. Stronger purchase confidence can reduce both. It can also improve how shoppers view the retailer. Instead of seeing the store as a place that pushes products, they begin to see it as a place that helps them choose properly.

That difference matters more now than it did a few years ago. Consumers are overloaded with options. They are reading reviews, watching videos, checking dupes and comparing prices. They do not just want access. They want clarity. Giving them a chance to test the fragrance first makes the decision feel grounded in their own experience rather than in marketing language.

The psychology behind trying before buying

There is another reason this model works. It matches the way people naturally make decisions when something feels personal. Buyers want convenience, yes, but they also want a sense of control. They want to feel that they arrived at the right choice.

Sampling supports that feeling. It lowers perceived risk and replaces guesswork with evidence. Not hard data, maybe, but personal evidence, which is often more persuasive. Once someone has worn a scent, noticed how it develops and decided it suits them, the purchase becomes much easier to justify.

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This also explains why sample-led retail feels modern rather than old-fashioned. It is not a step backward from e-commerce. It is a smarter version of it. Good digital retail is not about forcing every category into the same transaction model. It is about recognizing where customers need a little more reassurance and building that into the journey.

The rise of personal shopping expectations

Retail has become more personal in general. Customers expect recommendations, edits, suggestions and offers that feel relevant to them. They do not want to be treated like everyone else. In fragrance and beauty, that expectation is even stronger because the products themselves are tied to identity and routine.

A sample respects that. It quietly says: you do not have to guess, and you do not have to rush. That can make a brand feel more confident, not less. It shows a willingness to let the product speak for itself. For platforms like Notino, that matters because the online experience can sometimes feel overwhelming when the catalogue is large and the choices are endless. That alone changes behaviour.

Integrating sampling into the online customer journey

From a retail perspective, sampling should not be treated as a side tactic or a throwaway promotion. It works best when it is built into the customer journey naturally. It can help at the discovery stage, when someone is trying a scent family. It can help in comparison, when two or three products look equally promising. It can also help at the decision point, when interest is high but hesitation remains.

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What makes this approach effective is that it adds realism to digital commerce. It accepts that not every purchase can be made confidently from a product description alone. In categories driven by feel, scent and personal reaction, that is not a weakness of online retail. It is simply reality.

A model that reinforces trust in digital retail

Providing opportunities to experience products before committing to them reflects a broader effort to build trust in online retail environments. By offering curated selections and sample options, platforms such as Notino demonstrate how e-commerce can accommodate the need for experimentation without sacrificing speed or convenience. This approach aligns with modern consumer behaviour, where discovery, testing and purchasing increasingly form a continuous and integrated journey rather than separate steps.

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Huntington Bancshares: I'm Paying Attention

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Huntington Bancshares: I'm Paying Attention

Huntington Bancshares: I'm Paying Attention

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OnlyFans Owner Dies at 43 After Cancer Battle

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Leonid Radvinsky

MIAMI – Leonid Radvinsky, the low-profile Ukrainian-American entrepreneur who transformed OnlyFans into a multibillion-dollar subscription platform dominating the adult entertainment industry, died March 20, 2026, after a private battle with cancer. He was 43.

Leonid Radvinsky
Leonid Radvinsky

OnlyFans confirmed the death in a statement Monday, saying Radvinsky “passed away peacefully after a long battle with cancer.” The company emphasized that his family has requested privacy. At the time of his death, Forbes estimated his net worth at $4.7 billion, placing him among the world’s richest individuals and on the Forbes 400 list of wealthiest Americans.

Radvinsky acquired a majority stake in Fenix International Ltd., OnlyFans’ parent company, in 2018 from its British founders. Under his ownership, the platform exploded in popularity, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, as creators — many in adult content — turned to direct subscription models. By 2024, OnlyFans reported billions in gross revenue, with users spending $7.2 billion on the site and Radvinsky personally receiving roughly $1.9 million per day in profits at peak times. He had extracted about $1.8 billion in dividends by early 2025.

Here are five key things to know about Leonid Radvinsky:

1. **Immigrant Success Story**: Born in Odesa, Ukraine, around 1982 or 1983, Radvinsky moved to Chicago as a child. He studied economics at Northwestern University, graduating summa cum laude and serving as class valedictorian. Early exposure to computers came from programming in BASIC on his grandfather’s i386 PC, sparking a lifelong passion for technology.

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2. **Pioneer in Adult Web Businesses**: Before OnlyFans, Radvinsky built his fortune in online adult entertainment. While a student, he founded Cybertania, a porn website referral business. He later created MyFreeCams through his holding company MFCXY Inc., one of the early cam sites that let users pay for live explicit content. These ventures laid the groundwork for his larger success.

3. **OnlyFans Majority Owner and Transformative Leader**: Radvinsky bought a 75% stake in Fenix International in 2018 for an undisclosed sum. He kept an extremely low public profile, rarely giving interviews and avoiding the spotlight despite the platform’s cultural impact. OnlyFans grew to millions of creators and hundreds of millions of fans, allowing performers to monetize directly and bypassing traditional industry gatekeepers. Reports in 2025 indicated he was exploring a sale that could value the company at up to $8 billion.

4. **Philanthropist and Open-Source Advocate**: Despite his reclusive nature, Radvinsky described himself on personal websites as an angel investor, company architect and open-source software supporter. He donated millions to causes including cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering, the University of Chicago Medicine and animal welfare groups. In 2024, he made a $23 million grant for cancer research. He also invested heavily in open-source technologies and promoted tools empowering digital identity control.

5. **Private Family Man**: Radvinsky married Katie Chudnovsky in 2008. The couple had four children and lived primarily in Florida, where he maintained a low-key existence. He rarely discussed his personal life publicly, and his family has continued that request for privacy following his death. He was known among close circles as an aspiring helicopter pilot and Elixir programming language enthusiast.

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Radvinsky’s death comes as OnlyFans navigates questions about its future ownership. Shares in the LR Fenix Trust have held his stake since 2024, and any sale or succession plans remain undisclosed. The platform, while controversial for its heavy reliance on adult content, also hosts non-explicit creators including musicians, athletes and influencers seeking direct fan connections.

Industry analysts say Radvinsky’s business model fundamentally changed how adult performers earn a living by cutting out intermediaries and giving creators control over pricing and content. Critics, however, have pointed to concerns over exploitation, underage access issues and the platform’s role in broader societal debates about online pornography.

Born into a Jewish family in Ukraine, Radvinsky maintained ties to his heritage and supported causes linked to Ukraine and Israel, though he avoided public political statements. His early career included work in spam-related online businesses, drawing scrutiny in some reports, but he focused later on building legitimate, scalable tech companies.

Colleagues and those familiar with his work described him as a sharp strategist who preferred results over recognition. His personal site lr.com portrayed him as an “economist by training and entrepreneur by trade,” highlighting contributions to open-source movements and investments in multiple online giants.

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The timing of his death, shortly after reports of potential sale talks and large dividend payouts, has fueled speculation in business circles about OnlyFans’ next chapter. The company has not announced leadership changes or strategic shifts.

Radvinsky’s passing highlights the often-hidden figures behind major internet platforms. While OnlyFans gained mainstream attention through celebrity endorsements and pandemic-driven growth, its owner operated in the shadows, letting the technology and creators take center stage.

Tributes from the adult industry and tech community poured in Monday, praising his role in empowering independent creators while acknowledging the controversies surrounding the platform. Fans and critics alike noted the platform’s resilience and cultural footprint.

As of March 24, 2026, OnlyFans continued normal operations. The company said it remains committed to its mission of helping creators earn directly from their content.

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Radvinsky is survived by his wife, children and extended family. Funeral arrangements have not been made public in line with the family’s privacy request.

His life traced an arc from immigrant child coding on an old PC to billionaire architect of one of the internet’s most profitable and debated platforms — a story of technological ambition, business acumen and personal discretion.

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Labour trumps cost as top business barrier: CCIWA

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Labour trumps cost as top business barrier: CCIWA

Labour shortages have overtaken rising operating costs as the most commonly reported barrier to business growth, according to the latest CCIWA survey.

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BGC class action continues in court

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BGC class action continues in court

Lawyers for thousands of disgruntled customers and BGC have returned to court to hash out initial issues before heading towards a resolution of the major dispute.

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No quick end to conflict, global markets to stay on edge: Adrian Mowat

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No quick end to conflict, global markets to stay on edge: Adrian Mowat
Global financial markets remain gripped by volatility as rapidly shifting geopolitical developments continue to unsettle investor sentiment. Hopes of a quick resolution between the United States and Iran have been tempered by conflicting signals, leaving markets struggling to find direction. A brief relief rally faded almost as quickly as it appeared, underscoring the fragile confidence that currently defines global trading conditions.

Adrian Mowat, EM-Equity Strategist noted that the market’s reaction reflects a rational assessment of the situation. He explained that the initial optimism stemmed from a temporary pause in potential US military action targeting Iran’s power infrastructure, which could have triggered significant retaliation, especially across the Gulf region. However, the narrative quickly changed after indications of possible negotiations were contradicted, eroding investor confidence. According to him, there are currently no clear signals from the United States, Iran, or even Israel that suggest a rapid resolution to the conflict.

Crude oil prices have emerged as the clearest indicator of this uncertainty, with Brent climbing back above $104 per barrel. The sharp move highlights persistent concerns around supply disruptions, particularly given the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz and recent attacks on energy infrastructure. Mowat observed that while the world has ample oil and natural gas supplies, logistical and geopolitical constraints have effectively trapped these resources. He believes that once the conflict eventually subsides, global markets could be flooded with energy supplies, potentially pushing Brent prices below $60 in a short span. For now, however, the market remains highly reactive, with traders navigating short-term momentum and hedging strategies, fully aware that sentiment could shift dramatically with any new development.

For India, the situation presents a complex mix of risks and opportunities. While a sustained decline in oil prices would typically support macroeconomic stability and attract foreign capital, structural concerns continue to weigh on investor sentiment. Mowat pointed out that uncertainty surrounding the impact of artificial intelligence on the IT sector remains a key overhang, especially given the sector’s significant weight in Indian indices. This has contributed to the relative underperformance of Indian markets compared to peers such as South Korea and Taiwan, where semiconductor-driven growth has taken center stage. Additionally, the weakness in the Indian rupee has added another layer of concern, as rising energy import costs strain the country’s balance of payments despite relative insulation in the domestic energy sector.

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Developments in global bond markets are also adding to the complexity. A significant shift in expectations around US monetary policy has been observed, with markets now contemplating the possibility of rate hikes instead of cuts. Mowat highlighted that if such a scenario materialises, US 10-year bond yields could move above 4.5% or even higher. He views this as part of a broader, multi-year realignment of global financial markets following the prolonged period of near-zero interest rates after the Global Financial Crisis. This transition, he suggested, represents a structural reset rather than a temporary fluctuation.


On the geopolitical front, Mowat expressed scepticism about the likelihood of a complete pullback in US policy toward Iran. He indicated that such a move would be difficult to position as a strategic success, particularly given Iran’s growing influence and its demonstrated ability to disrupt global trade routes using relatively low-cost means. The possibility that Iran could exert greater control over key shipping lanes, including the Strait of Hormuz, remains a significant concern for global markets.
Despite the prevailing uncertainty, certain sectors are beginning to show signs of opportunity. Financial stocks, both globally and in India, have undergone a sharp correction, driven largely by concerns around rising credit costs. However, Mowat believes these fears may be overstated and sees value emerging in the sector, especially if geopolitical tensions begin to ease. He noted that major European financial institutions have already seen significant declines from their peak levels, suggesting that a large portion of the risk may already be priced in.Looking ahead, equities are likely to remain the preferred asset class over the next few months, provided there is some easing of geopolitical tensions. Mowat does not see a particularly strong case for precious metals in the current environment and expects bond yields to continue trending higher. He emphasised that global economies have demonstrated remarkable resilience in recent years, having weathered multiple shocks including the pandemic, the Ukraine conflict, and an inflation surge. In this context, the current market environment does not exhibit the same level of structural imbalance that led to the sharp corrections seen in 2022.

A potential de-escalation in the Gulf region, coupled with the resumption of smoother energy flows through critical shipping routes, could pave the way for a meaningful recovery in equities. Mowat pointed out that similar rebounds have occurred in the past, including the strong recovery following last year’s sell-off triggered by geopolitical developments.

From a sectoral perspective, investors are increasingly gravitating toward areas with clear demand visibility. Semiconductors remain a key focus, driven by persistent supply shortages and their central role in the AI ecosystem. Financials also appear attractive at current levels, particularly in a scenario where macroeconomic stability improves. However, the uncertainty surrounding the long-term impact of AI on software businesses continues to weigh on sentiment, especially in markets like India.

In the near term, markets are likely to remain highly sensitive to geopolitical headlines, with oil prices, bond yields, and currency movements acting as key indicators. Until there is greater clarity on the trajectory of the conflict and its broader economic implications, volatility is expected to remain the defining feature of global markets.

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Market slide pushes short-term SIP returns into negative territory

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Market slide pushes short-term SIP returns into negative territory
Mumbai: Systematic investment plans (SIPs), long marketed as a disciplined route to equity investing, are posting losses over shorter time frames amid the returns drought in the past 18 months.

Values of SIPs in equity mutual fund SIPs over one- and two-year periods have slipped into losses, according to ETIG. Average three-year SIP returns are below 5% across most equity categories – an outcome many investors, who started investing after Covid in 2020, are yet to encounter.

A 13% decline in the benchmark Nifty and a sharper sell-off in smaller shares over the past month since the start of the West Asia conflict has pushed equity mutual funds into losses. Returns from these products were already under pressure since September 20204 – the start of the reversal of the over four-year bull rally.

Market Slide Pushes Short-term SIP Returns into Loss TerritoryAgencies

1- & 2-yr returns Hit most Topping up SIPs with lumpsums of up to 10% may bear fruit, risk-off backdrop warrants investments across classes: Experts

Across categories, one-year SIP returns in popular segments such as flexi-cap, mid-cap and small-cap funds are down 13.47%, 10.36% and 15.38%, respectively. Over two years, their values have fallen 5.2%, 3.34% and 7.78%, while three-year SIPs have delivered gains of 3.86%, 7.26% and 2.31%, respectively.

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Mutual fund officials advice topping up their SIPs with lump sums of up to 10% in the wake of the market sell-off.


“The key is to continue to accumulate more units at such prices,” says Swarup Mohanty, vice chairman and CEO, Mirae Asset Investment Managers (India).
Wealth managers said the risk-off backdrop warrants investments across asset classes. “Investors who have randomly invested in SIPs should restructure their portfolios in line with their long-term goals and keep a mix of different asset classes like equity, debt or gold in their portfolios,” says Harsh Chaturvedi, founder, Opulence Invest Services.

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10-year yield sees steepest one-day jump since Oct 2023

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10-year yield sees steepest one-day jump since Oct 2023
Mumbai: Indian bond yields surged the most in nearly 30 months and ended at their highest since January last year, with an unprecedented spike in crude oil prices and the likelihood of fuel-stoked inflation increasing the probability of policy rate hardening by global central banks.

Yield on the 10-year benchmark government bond jumped 10 basis points to close at 6.83%, CCIL data showed. One basis point is a hundredth of a percentage point.

The 10-year yield opened at 6.78% and inched up to 6.88% in the first hour of the session as global markets traded with nervousness ahead of the expiry of Donald Trump’s 48-hour deadline to Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Bonds log biggest selloff in 2-1/2 years on higher oil, US yields
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Indian government bonds plunged on ​Monday, as elevated oil prices ​and rising U.S. Treasury yields triggered the sharpest selloff since ​October 2023, although bonds recouped half of their losses after positive commentary from U.S. President Trump on Iran war.


Yields saw their biggest single-day spike since October 2023 and ended at highest level since January 2025, LSEG data showed. They, however, eased after the US president indicated no immediate attacks on Iran following diplomatic efforts. The 10-year yield eased from 6.88% to 6.79% in the last half hour of the trade, before closing at 6.83%.
“When the news of US-Iran talks came, some short covering and profit booking happened. But sentiments are negative. RBI is mildly present and on the sidelines since global yields are also inching up,” said a bond trader at a primary dealership.


Yields across either side of the Atlantic have hardened, with Reuters reporting that the probability of further rate easing by the US Federal Reserve may have reduced amid the most visible spike in risk-free rates in the US since last summer.
Meanwhile, Goldman Sachs Sunday raised its oil price forecasts for the second time in as many weeks, global media outlets reported, citing Wall Street bank’s concerns over the Strait of Hormuz. It now expects Brent to average $110 in March-April, up from a prior forecast of $98 and marking a sharp increase from 2025 levels. ‘Higher for Longer’
The upgrade extends beyond the immediate disruption. Goldman raised its 2026 Brent forecast to $85 from $77, with WTI seen at $79, while longer-dated prices have also been revised higher.

Back home, banking system liquidity, too, was in a deficit for the first time in nearly three months after quarterly advance tax outflows and due to increased central bank intervention in the foreign exchange market, traders said. Experts, however, expect system liquidity to improve in the next few days.

System liquidity stood at a deficit of ₹65,395.64 crore as of March 22 against a daily average surplus of ₹2.45 lakh crore since February. Consequently, this also raised overnight borrowing costs for banks, with call rate trading at an average of 5.32% on Monday, versus a weighted average call rate of 5% from February.

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“We do have about ₹5 lakh crore of durable liquidity, hence showing that there is money with the government. I expect this money to flow into the banking system in the coming week as government and end-of-year spending,” said Alok Singh, head of treasury at CSB Bank.

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Analysts Highlight Defence, Healthcare and Banking

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London, United Kingdom

LONDON — With the FTSE 100 pushing past 10,000 points for the first time early in 2026 and delivering strong gains driven by defence spending, banking resilience and healthcare innovation, investors are eyeing a select group of blue-chip stocks for potential outperformance this year.

London, United Kingdom
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Analysts remain broadly bullish on the UK’s flagship index, forecasting around 14% earnings growth and record dividend payouts of up to £86 billion across constituents. Sectors benefiting from geopolitical tensions, higher interest rates, commodity strength and demographic trends are drawing particular attention as the index eyes further records toward 11,000 or beyond.

Here is a look at 10 FTSE 100 stocks frequently cited by analysts and commentators in early 2026 as strong buys, based on growth potential, valuation, dividends and thematic tailwinds. Selections draw from recurring recommendations across defence, pharmaceuticals, financials, energy and consumer staples, with no single list universally agreed upon but clear consensus themes emerging.

  1. BAE Systems (BA.) — Defence giant BAE Systems tops many long-term watchlists as global military spending surges. NATO commitments, European rearmament and ongoing geopolitical risks have fueled order books. Shares have performed strongly, with analysts highlighting consistent revenue visibility and reasonable valuations relative to growth prospects. The stock benefits from both organic expansion and potential acquisitions in the sector.
  2. AstraZeneca (AZN) — The UK’s most valuable company by market capitalization at around £230 billion early in the year, AstraZeneca continues to lead on pharmaceutical innovation. Its oncology and rare disease pipelines, combined with strategic collaborations, position it for sustained earnings growth. Healthcare themes tied to ageing populations and medical advances make it a defensive growth play, with strong analyst support.
  3. HSBC Holdings (HSBA) — Europe’s largest bank by assets, HSBC has reclaimed top spots in the index on robust Asian exposure and higher net interest income. Banking stocks have rallied to 15-year highs in early 2026 amid rate tailwinds and economic resilience. HSBC offers a compelling mix of dividend yield and international diversification, with analysts noting its undervaluation compared to global peers.
  4. Shell (SHEL) — As one of the world’s leading energy majors, Shell provides exposure to oil and gas while advancing in renewables and low-carbon solutions. Energy stocks have supported the FTSE amid commodity price strength. Shell’s substantial dividend, disciplined capital allocation and transition strategy appeal to income and growth investors alike, with recent performance reflecting sector momentum.
  5. GSK (GSK) — GlaxoSmithKline has rebounded strongly, reaching multi-year highs on vaccine and specialty medicine momentum. Its pipeline in respiratory, oncology and infectious diseases, plus operational improvements, has driven analyst upgrades. The stock combines growth potential with a solid dividend, fitting both healthcare and income strategies in a higher-rate environment.
  6. Barclays (BARC) — The UK-focused lender has seen sharp gains, up over 50% in the prior 12 months into 2026, on improved profitability and share buybacks. Barclays benefits from domestic banking strength and investment banking recovery. Analysts see further upside from cost discipline and potential rate cuts supporting loan demand, making it a high-conviction recovery and value play.
  7. Rolls-Royce Holdings (RR.) — Aerospace and defence exposure has propelled Rolls-Royce, with civil aviation recovery and military engine demand boosting results. The company has delivered on efficiency targets and raised guidance, attracting investors seeking cyclical growth. Its transformation story remains compelling despite valuation debates, with strong order intake signaling multi-year tailwinds.
  8. Prudential (PRU) — Focused on Asia and emerging markets, Prudential capitalizes on rising wealth and insurance demand in high-growth regions. Analysts highlight its quality management and long-term demographic trends, with the stock trading at attractive valuations. It offers a blend of growth and dividend income, appealing to those betting on global economic rebalancing.
  9. Coca-Cola HBC (CCH) — The bottling and beverages group has ranked among the top performers in early 2026, driven by volume growth and pricing power. Strong execution in emerging European and African markets, combined with brand strength, supports earnings resilience. Its forward dividend yield and reasonable multiple make it attractive for consumer staples exposure amid economic uncertainty.
  10. Legal & General (LGEN) — Among the highest-yielding FTSE 100 stocks, often exceeding 8-9%, Legal & General delivers reliable income through its insurance and asset management operations. Despite occasional volatility from interest rates and results, its progressive dividend policy and diversified business appeal to income seekers. Analysts view it as a core holding for portfolios prioritizing cash returns in 2026.

The broader context favors these picks. The FTSE 100 outperformed the S&P 500 in 2025 on a local-currency basis, buoyed by “old economy” sectors dismissed by some global investors. Earnings forecasts for 2026 remain constructive, supported by a potentially more dovish Bank of England and resilient corporate balance sheets. Dividend growth is expected to hit records, with the index yield hovering around 3.4%.

Risks persist, however. Global trade tensions, commodity price swings, slower Chinese growth and domestic political factors could weigh on performance. Defence stocks face execution risks on contracts, while banks remain sensitive to interest rate paths and loan impairments. Healthcare faces patent cliffs and regulatory pressures, and energy majors must navigate the energy transition.

Valuations across the FTSE 100 generally appear reasonable compared with U.S. peers, with many stocks trading below historical averages on price-to-earnings or offering attractive dividend cover. This has prompted calls for continued inflows from international investors seeking value and income.

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Investment professionals stress diversification and long-term horizons. While the 10 stocks above reflect frequent analyst favorites, individual circumstances vary. Professional advice is recommended, as past performance offers no guarantee of future results and share prices can fall as well as rise.

As of March 24, 2026, the FTSE 100 has posted solid year-to-date gains, with defence, banking and select consumer names leading. Market watchers will monitor upcoming earnings seasons, central bank decisions and geopolitical developments for fresh catalysts.

Investors interested in FTSE 100 exposure can consider individual shares via brokers or low-cost index trackers and ETFs for broader participation. Thematic funds focused on defence, healthcare or dividends have also attracted attention this year.

The UK equity market’s undervaluation narrative, combined with improving fundamentals, continues to underpin optimism. Whether the index reaches new highs or faces volatility, the 10 stocks profiled here embody key themes analysts believe will drive returns in 2026 and beyond.

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Iran sends waves of missiles into Israel, dismisses Trump’s talk of negotiations as ’fake news’

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Iran sends waves of missiles into Israel, dismisses Trump’s talk of negotiations as ’fake news’


Iran sends waves of missiles into Israel, dismisses Trump’s talk of negotiations as ’fake news’

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Sandfire Resources Limited (SFRRF) Discusses Embedding Sustainability and Governance Frameworks in Operations – Slideshow

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OneWater Marine Inc. (ONEW) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript

Sandfire Resources Limited (SFRRF) Discusses Embedding Sustainability and Governance Frameworks in Operations – Slideshow

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