London’s main stock index edged lower on Friday, even as fresh data showed U.K. retail sales continued to rise in August.
Figures from the Office for National Statistics revealed that sales volumes grew 0.5% last month, matching July’s upwardly revised pace and coming in just above expectations for a 0.4% gain. The data primarily covers goods and is not adjusted for inflation.
The release came as sterling weakened sharply, cementing its position as the worst performer among the G-10 currencies. At the same time, U.K. government bonds underperformed relative to their European peers.
By 11:40 GMT, the FTSE 100 was down 0.1%, while the pound lost 0.5% against the U.S. dollar, slipping to $1.34. Germany’s DAX index also fell, down 0.3%, while France’s CAC 40 inched 0.2% higher.
Spire Healthcare Surges on Strategic Review
Shares in Spire Healthcare Group plc (LSE:SPI) soared nearly 16% after the private hospital operator confirmed it is considering strategic options, including a potential sale. The rally pushed the stock to a one-year high and marked its strongest single-day advance since May 2021.
NatWest Reportedly Weighs Cushon Sale
Separately, reports from Sky News indicated that NatWest Group PLC (LSE:NWG) is exploring a sale of Cushon, its workplace pensions business. NatWest acquired a controlling stake in Cushon in 2023 for £144 million, making it one of the bank’s largest post-crisis transactions.
Mining Stocks Climb with Gold
London-listed miners rose as bullion prices gained. Gold futures edged up 0.2% to $3,686.30 per troy ounce, boosting sentiment in the sector.
Endeavour Mining Corp (LSE:EDV) led with a 2.8% rise, while Fresnillo PLC (LSE:FRES) added 1.2%. Anglo American PLC (LSE:AAL) and Antofagasta PLC (LSE:ANTO) each advanced 1.3%.
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