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The UK inventory market kicked off 2026 with fireworks, because the FTSE 100 broke by way of 10,000 factors for the primary time in historical past. This adopted a stellar 21.6% achieve in 2025 — its finest 12 months since 2009.
However every week later, the index had nearly slipped under 10,000 once more, reflecting broader world pressures like China’s disappointing commerce knowledge weighing on commodity‑linked UK names.
For Britons targeted on saving for retirement or a house, this mixture of document highs and contemporary uncertainty is a reminder to concentrate on high quality — somewhat than chasing headlines. So for these pondering long-term, what’s one of the best ways to plan for an unsure 2026?
World volatility
Late final week, China’s commerce knowledge landed like a lead balloon, and UK traders felt the tremors. Exports from one of many world’s largest producers shrank quicker than anticipated in December, dragging down commodity costs and slamming FTSE-exposed miners.
But on 9 January, main miners similar to Glencore and Antofagasta have been already again up 10.6% and three.5% respectively.
This volatility, mixed with the OECD’s 2.5% UK inflation name, could immediate some traders to rethink their funding technique. Whereas falling charges assist bonds and utilities, shopper warning hurts retail.
So now would be the time to concentrate on defensive dividend shares with extensive moats — ideally suited for these with a 10-20 12 months outlook.
Getting defensive
A number of standard defensive FTSE 100 shares that traders could need to think about embody Nationwide Grid, Unilever, BP, RELX and Pets at Residence (LSE: PETS).
Let’s zoom on Pets at Residence, as a result of I’m an enormous fan of canine and cats — however a fair larger fan of cash.
When cash will get tight, individuals lower down on quite a lot of issues — consuming out, holidays, consuming and so on. What they don’t lower down on is feeding their animals. That makes this pet-focused firm a defensive gem. Its vet providers alone present recurring income of over £150m yearly from subscriptions.
The corporate holds a 24% UK pet care market share, bolstered by omnichannel development and loyalty plans up 8% 12 months on 12 months. Dividend-wise, it presents a 6.6% yield with a 68% payout ratio lined by earnings and robust money flows (34% money payout).
Regardless of current retail pressures, income have been resilient. Now, analysts see it as undervalued, with the share worth at 12 instances earnings with development potential. For retirement savers, it’s a shopper‑defensive play with robust revenue potential.
Nonetheless, it isn’t risk-free. Retail gross sales are down 3% and margins are beneath stress from competitors and better prices. Plus, the current exit of its CEO amid revenue warnings led to sharp forecast cuts. If issues don’t enhance, a short-term dividend lower isn’t off the desk.
The underside line
World economies are in flux, with China’s commerce hunch and OECD inflation warnings creating inventory market surprises. Amid uncertainty, defensive UK shares like Pets at Residence supply stability by way of resilient earnings and dependable dividends.
Now looks as if a superb time to prop up a portfolio with shares that take pleasure in constant demand, even in downturns. Utilities, healthcare and shopper staples are sometimes good choices, and having a mixture from numerous sectors helps cut back focus dangers.
