The FTSE 250 Index is a stock market index that represents the 250 largest companies listed on the London Stock Exchange, excluding the top 100 companies in the FTSE 100 Index. It includes a diverse range of sectors, such as finance, healthcare, and consumer goods, providing a broader view of the UK economy. This index is often used as a benchmark for mid-cap stocks in the UK, reflecting the performance of medium-sized companies. Investors and analysts monitor the FTSE 250 to gauge market trends and economic health, as it tends to be more sensitive to domestic economic conditions than larger companies.