Since the end of May 2025, the FTSE 100 has delivered a return of 19%. But there are plenty of stocks that have done much better than this.
Let’s take a closer look at the top three and consider whether there’s still time to join the party.
| Stock | One-year share price change |
|---|---|
| Polar Capital Technology Trust (LSE:PCT) | 113% |
| Antofagasta (LSE:ANTO) | 127% |
| Fresnillo (LSE:FRES) | 191% |
Hot!
Polar Capital Technology Trust seeks to “cut through the hype” often associated with the tech sector. To do this, it invests in businesses “playing on structural, secular trends”. Unsurprisingly, it only takes positions in companies that are fully embracing AI.
Around 30% of its £7.3bn portfolio is accounted for by the ‘Magnificent 7’, which goes a long way to explaining how its net asset value (NAV) per share increased by 102% during the year ended 30 April, compared to a 55% increase in the trust’s chosen benchmark, the Dow Jones Global Technology Index.
I think the trust’s an excellent way to get a foothold in the tech sector without having to decide who the long-term winners are going to be. Through one shareholding, risk is spread across 101 different companies. And it trades at a 7.5% discount to its NAV.
Despite its stellar run, I think there could be more to come. That’s why I believe it’s a stock that’s still worth considering.
Hotter!!
Antofagasta’s a copper miner based in Chile. And with the metal now an essential part of the manufacturing process for, among other things, electric vehicles and renewable energy infrastructure, the group’s benefitted from a 32% rise in the price of copper over the past year.
However, the price of copper is closely related to the health of the global economy. Any slowdown and earnings in the sector could be badly hit. Adverse exchange rate movements and political instability could also affect the group.
But for now, market fundamentals suggest copper prices are likely to remain at their historically elevated level. Set alongside its huge reserves, high margin, and strong balance sheet, Antofagasta could be one to consider for those prepared to add something at the riskier end of the scale to their portfolios.
Hottest!!!
Fresnillo, the Mexican gold and silver miner, has been the FTSE 100’s best performer over the past year, largely due to the price of these precious metals soaring 34% and 116% respectively.
But investing in the sector is risky. Volatile prices, production interruptions, and geopolitical instability are persistent threats.
However, I believe the long-term outlook for gold and silver is positive with both expected to be in supply imbalance. Central banks are the biggest buyers of the former as they seek to reduce their exposure to the dollar and hedge against expected higher inflation. Data centres and renewable energy are just two of the sectors helping to boost the demand for silver.
Personally, I think the recent pullback in the price of these two precious metals – both are over a third lower than their 52-week highs — makes Fresnillo a stock to consider. However, with erratic commodity prices fundamental to the group’s earnings, investors should be prepared for a bumpy ride.
Should you invest £5,000 in Polar Capital Technology Trust Plc right now?
When investing expert Mark Rogers and his team have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Twelfth Magpie Share Advisor newsletter he has run for nearly a decade has provided thousands of paying members with top stock recommendations from the UK and US markets.
And right now, Mark thinks there are 6 standout stocks that investors should consider buying. Want to see if Polar Capital Technology Trust Plc made the list?
James Beard does not hold any positions in the companies mentioned.
