Investing in UK
Exchange(s), regular trading hours, the securities regulator, and the local gold-buying convention — sourced and dated. No live quotes, no index levels, no recommendations.
Markets
Currency: GBP · Region: Western Europe
London Stock Exchange (LSE)
MIC: XLON · Currency: GBP · Timezone: Europe/London
| Days | Regular hours (local time) |
|---|---|
| Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | 08:00–16:30 |
Source: https://www.londonstockexchange.com/ · checked 2026-09-26. Regular session hours; public holidays not modelled.
Main index
- FTSE 100 Index (FTSE 100) — FTSE Russell (LSEG) (source)
See live open/closed status for this and other exchanges on Market hours.
Regulator
Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) — https://www.fca.org.uk/
Gold & silver convention
Typical local unit(s): troy ounce, Gram (g). Typical purity: 9ct, 18ct, 22ct.
UK law (Hallmarking Act 1973) requires items over a weight threshold to be hallmarked at one of four Assay Offices (Birmingham, Edinburgh, London, Sheffield) stating the precious-metal standard; 9ct and 18ct gold and sterling (925) silver are the most common retail standards. (Source: GOV.UK / Hallmarking Act 1973)
Use the gold and silver reference pages to convert between units and price a given weight/purity — they support every unit and purity listed above.
Good to know
- ISAs (Individual Savings Accounts) and SIPPs (Self-Invested Personal Pensions) are the standard tax-advantaged wrappers used by UK retail investors. (Source: FCA/GOV.UK)
- The London Stock Exchange's main market operates alongside AIM, a separate market for smaller growth companies. (Source: London Stock Exchange)
fin·calc tools for UK
Frequently Asked Questions
What stock exchange does UK have?
London Stock Exchange
Who regulates investing in UK?
Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)