UK stocks muted near multi-week highs as retail sales, consumer sentiment sag

UK stocks paused on Friday near multi-week highs as weakness in homebuilder shares weighed following retail sales and consumer sentiment data that pointed to an economic slowdown.

Reuters • Dec 19, 2025

UK equities offer opportunities amidst 'quiet reset', says UBS

After a bruising year marked by soft earnings and fickle investor sentiment, the UK equity market is quietly repositioning itself for a rebound in 2026, according to a new strategy note from UBS. The Swiss bank argues that the FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 are entering the new year on firmer footing than many investors expected, with purchasing managers' indices (PMIs) for both indices now solidly in expansion territory.

Proactive Investors • Dec 18, 2025

UK consumer spending disappointed in November, surveys show

British consumers kept a tight rein on their spending in November as they awaited finance minister Rachel Reeves' budget, while retailers said Black Friday sales disappointed, according to surveys on Tuesday.

Reuters • Dec 9, 2025

BREAKING: Trump strikes major deal with UK on drug pricing

FOX Business White House correspondent Edward Lawrence reports the details of President Donald Trump's pharmaceutical deal with the U.K. on 'Varney & Co.'

Fox Business • Dec 1, 2025

European stocks close higher: DAX climbs 0.2%, FTSE 100 ends flat

European equities eked out a modest gain on Thursday, with the pan-European Stoxx 600 reversing early losses to finish 0.12% higher as investors assessed a shifting global economic landscape, incoming corporate news, and rising expectations of US monetary easing. Germany's DAX led the region's major indices, advancing 0.22% to end the day at 23,777.

Invezz • Nov 27, 2025

U.K. Budget Plan Calms Markets and Labour Faithful. Will It Appeal to Voters?

The plan presented by the chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, called for spending increases and higher taxes on the wealthy and the middle class.

NYTimes • Nov 26, 2025

U.K. Budget Leak Causes Chaos. How Markets Reacted to the 'Complete Shambles.

Finance minister Rachel Reeves said the leak by the government spending watchdog was "deeply disappointing" and a "serious error."

Barrons • Nov 26, 2025

U.K. CPI: Soft October Inflation Strengthens The Case For A December BoE Cut

UK October CPI inflation slowed to 3.6% YoY, signaling a peak and supporting expectations for continued disinflation into 2026. Housing & household services, especially energy, drove the deceleration, while food prices rose more than expected, warranting close monitoring.

Seeking Alpha • Nov 19, 2025

U.K. Consumer Sentiment Falls Back

The mood of British consumers dampened a little this month, with expectations of a slowing economy and the potential for tax increases later this year threatening an even greater downturn.

WSJ • Sep 19, 2025

September BoE: A Pause Amidst "Prominent" Upside Inflation Risks

The Bank of England held its Bank Rate at 4.00% in September, reflecting a more unified and cautious stance amid persistent inflation risks. MPC members overwhelmingly supported maintaining rates and continuing quantitative tightening, reducing gilt holdings by £70 billion over the next year.

Seeking Alpha • Sep 18, 2025