The Morningstar UK Large-Mid Cap Index surged 25.43% in 2025, driven by the basic materials sector. The top-performing stocks included Fresnillo, Zegona Communications, Airtel Africa, Endeavour Mining, and Babcock International Group. On the other hand, the worst performers were WPP, B&M Stores, Bunzl, Diageo, and Unite Group.

Fresnillo saw a 26.58% increase in December, leading to a 468.44% rise for the year. Zegona Communications gained 7.45% in December, resulting in a 275.29% increase for the year. Airtel Africa climbed 14.29% in December, leaving it up 220.30% for the year. Endeavour Mining jumped 10.95% in December, leading to a 183.20% rise for the year. Babcock International Group saw a 9.95% increase in December, resulting in a 150.02% rise for the year.

WPP rose 11.09% in December but was down 56.50% for the year. B&M Stores fell 0.06% in December, leaving it down 48.98% for the year. Bunzl dropped 4.07% in December, resulting in a 35.03% decline for the year. Diageo decreased by 7.61% in December, leading to a 34.17% drop for the year. Unite Group rose 5.97% in December but was still down 27.34% for the year.

Read more at Morningstar: Best- and Worst-Performing UK Stocks of 2025