LSEG Cuts Financial Times Subscriptions as FTSE Coverage Diminishes

Rowan Ashford

Published: January 29, 2026 6:59 AM ET

The London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) has significantly reduced its subscriptions to the Financial Times, signaling a potential end to a long-standing relationship. This decision is driven by the paper’s diminishing coverage of the FTSE and the London markets.

LSEG Cuts Financial Times Subscriptions

As reported by City AM, LSEG has canceled hundreds of corporate subscriptions to the Financial Times. This strategic move reflects a growing concern over the publication’s shift away from local market coverage in favor of politics and international news.

Decline in FTSE Coverage

Since its inception in 1888, the Financial Times has primarily focused on the London stock market, providing essential information about the FTSE 100 index. However, recent analysis shows a drastic decline in its coverage of major London-listed companies.

Large-cap London-listed businesses’ coverage has dropped by up to 70% since 2010.
Barclays was mentioned over 2,000 times annually before 2015, falling to below 750 in 2025.
BP’s mentions decreased from 1,900 in 2010 to 384 in 2025.
Tesco’s coverage plummeted from nearly 1,000 in 2014 to just 144 in 2025.

Shift Towards Political Reporting

While corporate coverage weakens, the Financial Times has increased its focus on political matters. Coverage of the Labour Party and Conservative Party nearly doubled during the 2024 election compared to 2010. Notably, Nigel Farage received more mentions in 2025 than during the Brexit referendum year in 2016.

Critics have voiced concerns regarding this shift. A communications chief from a FTSE 100 company remarked on the diminishing quality of corporate coverage while praising the improvements in political reporting. A former Financial Times journalist echoed these sentiments, highlighting that the publication’s retreat from daily financial news has left a gap for its audience.

Impact of the Changes

The reduction in subscriptions by LSEG suggests that companies are seeking more reliable sources for daily market information. Without frequent reporting on asset markets, firms may need to turn to alternative news outlets.

These developments mark a significant turning point for both the London Stock Exchange and the Financial Times, two pivotal institutions within the financial landscape.