A FTSE index that covers the 250 UK listed companies that are the next largest after those in the FTSE 100.
Companies in the FTSE 250 are generally considered mid-caps.
The calculation of the FTSE 250, and the selection of its constituents (the companies whose shares are included in it) are almost the same as the FTSE 100.
The FTSE 250 is not as widely followed as the FTSE 100 as the companies it covers, although greater in number, only jointly account for about 10% of UK market cap. However, it can often be interesting to look at any divergences in performance between the large and mid-caps.
The FTSE 250 is the obvious benchmark for anyone investing specifically in mid-cap shares. The FTSE 250 is also not as dominated by a the four largest sectors as the FTSE 100 is.