FTSE 100 Edges Higher Despite Weak Retail Sales Data

RTTNews | hace 958
FTSE 100 Edges Higher Despite Weak Retail Sales Data

(RTTNews) - U.K. stocks eked out modest gains on Friday as optimism over demand recovery in China boosted mining and energy stocks.

Sentiment was also underpinned after Bank of England Governor said that market expectations of rates peaking at around 4.5 percent is more in line with the central bank's own thinking.

Investors shrugged off data showing that U.K. retail sales unexpectedly declined in December despite the festive season.

The retail sales volume logged a monthly fall of 1.0 percent after easing by a revised 0.5 percent a month ago, data published by the Office for National Statistics revealed Friday.

This was in contrast to economists' forecast for a 0.5 percent increase and marked the second consecutive contraction.

The benchmark FTSE 100 was up 31 points, or 0.40 percent, at 7,780 after declining 1.1 percent on Thursday.

Miners Anglo American, Antofagasta and Glencore all rose about half a percent while oil & gas firm BP Plc climbed 1.2 percent and Shell added 1 percent.

Corporate merchandize firm 4imprint rallied 3.7 percent after its FY profit beat analysts' expectations.

Lender Standard Chartered gained about 1 percent after it has been cleared to set up a wholly-owned securities brokerage unit in China.

read more
U.S. Services Index Climbs To Six-Month High In August

U.S. Services Index Climbs To Six-Month High In August

Service sector growth in the U.S. accelerated by more than anticipated in the month of August, according to a report released by the Institute for Supply Management on Thursday. The ISM said its services PMI rose to 52.0 in August from 50.1 in July, with a reading above 50 indicating growth. Economists had expected the index to inch up to 50.5.
RTTNews | hace 47 minutos
U.S. Labor Productivity Surges 3.3% In Q2, Much More Than Previously Estimated

U.S. Labor Productivity Surges 3.3% In Q2, Much More Than Previously Estimated

A report released by the Labor Department on Thursday showed labor productivity in the U.S. surged by much more than previously estimated in the second quarter of 2025. The Labor Department said labor productivity shot up by 3.3 percent in the second quarter compared to the previously reported 2.4 percent jump. Economists had expected the increase in labor productivity to be unrevised.
RTTNews | hace 1h 5min
U.S. Trade Deficit Widens More Than Expected As Imports Spike

U.S. Trade Deficit Widens More Than Expected As Imports Spike

With the value of imports spiking, the Commerce Department released a report on Thursday showing the U.S. trade deficit widened more than expected in the month of July. The Commerce Department said the trade deficit shot up to $78.3 billion in July from a revised $59.6 billion in June. Economists had expected the trade deficit to increase to $75.7 billion.
RTTNews | hace 1h 35min
U.S. Jobless Claims Rise More Than Expected To Two-Month High

U.S. Jobless Claims Rise More Than Expected To Two-Month High

A day ahead of the release of the more closely watched monthly jobs report, the Labor Department released a report on Thursday showing first-time claims for U.S. unemployment benefits rose by more than expected in the week ended August 30th. The Labor Department said initial jobless claims climbed to 237,000, an increase of 8,000 from the previous week's unrevised level of 229,000.
RTTNews | hace 1h 39min
U.S. Private Sector Job Growth Slows More Than Expected In August

U.S. Private Sector Job Growth Slows More Than Expected In August

A report released by payroll processor ADP on Thursday showed private sector employment in the U.S. increased by less than expected in the month of August. ADP said private sector employment rose by 54,000 jobs in August after jumping by an upwardly revised 106,000 jobs in July. Economists had expected private sector employment to rise by 65,000 jobs.
RTTNews | hace 1h 57min
U.S. Weekly Jobless Claims Rise More Than Expected

U.S. Weekly Jobless Claims Rise More Than Expected

A day ahead of the release of the more closely watched monthly jobs report, the Labor Department released a report on Thursday showing first-time claims for U.S. unemployment benefits rose by more than expected in the week ended August 30th.
RTTNews | hace 2h 46min