Jasmine Birtles
Your money-making expert. Financial journalist, TV and radio personality.

If you’ve ever heard investors talk about the UK stock market, they’ll usually mention the FTSE 100. But quietly sitting just below it is the FTSE 250, and right now, it might actually be the more interesting place to look.
Why? Because FTSE 250 companies are more tied to the UK economy, and after a few tough years, many of them look, well, a bit cheap.
In fact, recent analysis suggests UK mid-cap stocks are still trading at relatively low valuations compared to global markets, which is why some investors see them as a potential opportunity in 2026.
So here are 5 FTSE 250 stocks I’m watching this month, not recommendations, but companies that look interesting right now.
Balfour Beatty is one of the UK’s biggest construction and infrastructure companies, and it’s having a bit of a moment.
Recent updates suggest the company is expecting profit growth in 2026, supported by a strong pipeline of projects, especially in areas like energy and infrastructure.
Why I’m watching it:
The risk: Construction companies can be sensitive to economic slowdowns and rising costs.
Airlines have had a rough few years, but recovery stories can be interesting if you’re patient.
easyJet has been flagged as undervalued by some analysts, with travel demand holding up better than expected.
Why it’s interesting:
The risk: Fuel prices and economic slowdowns can hit airlines hard.
This is one of those stocks that actually does better when consumers are struggling.
B&M has seen its share price fall significantly, but analysts see turnaround potential, especially as shoppers look for cheaper options.
Why I’m watching it:
The risk: Retail is competitive, and margins can be tight.
If you’ve been following precious metals, you’ll know gold and silver have been volatile, but that can create opportunities.
Hochschild Mining is one of the FTSE 250 stocks analysts have tipped for potential upside, even after a difficult period.
Why it’s interesting:
The risk: Mining stocks can be very volatile and depend heavily on commodity prices.
Not the most exciting name, but sometimes that’s a good thing.
RS Group supplies industrial and electronic components, making it a behind-the-scenes player in global industry.
It’s been highlighted as one of the stronger-performing FTSE 250 stocks recently.
Why I like it:
The risk: Growth can slow if the global economy weakens.
Here’s the bigger picture.
The FTSE 250 has:
That combination is exactly what gets investors interested.
As some analysts put it: UK mid-cap stocks could offer attractive opportunities for stock pickers—especially in sectors like engineering and manufacturing.
If you’re a beginner investor, the FTSE 250 can feel a bit under the radar, but that’s often where interesting opportunities are hiding.
The five stocks above all represent different themes:
The key takeaway? The FTSE 250 isn’t about hype, it’s about real businesses tied to the real economy.
And in 2026, that might be exactly what makes it worth watching.
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