British stocks fell Friday morning, with the FTSE 100 down 0.4% and the British pound slipping 0.3% against the dollar to trade below $1.35, after retail sales data missed expectations.
At 08:06 GMT, Germany’s DAX index dropped 0.9%, while France’s CAC 40 declined 0.4%.
UK retail sales rise but fall short of forecasts
UK retail sales volumes rose 0.9% month-on-month in June, below the 1.2% analysts anticipated and recovering less than a third of May’s 2.8% slump. Retail growth slowed considerably in Q2, with sales volumes up only 0.2% quarter-on-quarter compared to 1.3% in Q1.
Household goods retailers saw sales decline 0.1% month-on-month for the second consecutive month, hit by ongoing challenges in the housing market following stamp duty changes.
NatWest reports strong H1 results
NatWest Group (LSE:NWG) posted a £2.68 billion profit for the first half of 2025, supported by £6.12 billion in net interest income. Total revenues reached £7.99 billion, including £1.87 billion from non-interest sources. Operating expenses amounted to £4.02 billion, which included £118 million in litigation and conduct charges.
Marshalls shares plunge on profit warning
Shares of Marshalls PLC (LSE:MSLH) fell nearly 19% after lowering its full-year 2025 adjusted profit before tax guidance to between £42 million and £46 million—about 21% below the consensus midpoint of £55.4 million. The company warned market conditions are unlikely to improve in H2 and is implementing cost-cutting and capacity reduction measures.
Jupiter Fund Management sees profits fall on lower revenue
Jupiter Fund Management (LSE:JUP) reported that second-quarter inflows partly offset previous outflows, but profits declined compared to last year. Basic EPS for H1 dropped to 4.1p from 5.4p, while underlying EPS fell from 6.6p to 4.2p. Net revenue slipped to £153.9 million from £173.7 million.
Rightmove beats revenue estimates but signals slower growth
Rightmove PLC (LSE:RMV)posted stronger-than-expected H1 results, with revenue rising to £211.7 million versus a £209 million consensus. The boost was driven by increased platform activity, though the company cautioned growth will likely slow after a record 2024.
Starmer to push Trump for faster steel tariff deal
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to press U.S. President Donald Trump for a swift trade agreement to reduce tariffs on British steel, according to the Financial Times.
EU approves GSK’s Blenrep for cancer treatment
GSK (LSE:GSK) announced that the European Union has approved its drug Blenrep for treating relapsed or treatment-resistant multiple myeloma, a cancer affecting plasma cells.
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