European bourses ended higher this week, with the STOXX 600 advancing as investors digested better-than-expected corporate earnings and cooler US inflation.
UK-listed financials participated, aided by firmer gilt yields and a stronger growth backdrop at home following the ONS’s GDP surprises.
Bank and insurer shares benefited from the prospect of lower funding costs alongside stable asset quality, while brokers noted renewed interest from international investors in UK valuation discounts.
The risk-on tone also supported cyclicals, although defensives lagged.
For UK indices, participation in a broader European rally is important because flows into regional ETFs and indices can amplify moves in London.
Into next week, attention will turn to UK labour and inflation data as well as central-bank rhetoric that could recalibrate rate paths.
Geopolitical headlines around US-Russia talks added an unpredictable overlay to defence names.
Strategists warn that while breadth has improved, positioning remains sensitive to any downside data shock, particularly in China-linked demand that affects miners.
Nonetheless, with more than half of European companies beating estimates, the earnings season has so far offered fundamental support for equity multiples even as macro growth slows.
London’s blue-chip index set a record close as defence and financial stocks advanced after UK growth surprised on the upside.
The insurer posted better-than-expected half-year results, boosting cash generation and shareholder payouts.
Londoners are purchasing the lowest proportion of houses outside the capital in over a decade due to stalling local prices and the shift back to office working.
FTSE 100 property developer Berkeley Group has warned of a housing slowdown in London, forecasting further decline unless the government addresses regulatory and tax hurdles.
Amazon offers 45% discount on L'Oreal Paris Laser Renew Anti-Ageing Triple Action Eye Cream.
UK borrowing costs for 30-year debt reached 5.72%, a 27-year high, raising fears of economic decline.
Poundland plans to close up to 68 stores in 2025 following financial difficulties and restructuring.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the autumn budget for November 26, aiming to address a £30 billion deficit with growth measures.
Financial expert Martin Lewis has issued a strong warning against criminals who use his name and deepfake technology in 'disgraceful' online adverts to scam vulnerable people, after a woman's husband lost thousands of pounds.
The Powerball jackpot has soared to an estimated $1.3 billion, the fifth-largest in the lottery's history, after no winning ticket was sold in the latest drawing, marking the 41st consecutive drawing without a winner.
The UK's long-term borrowing costs have reached a 27-year high, fueling speculation about the government's economic credibility and the future of Chancellor Rachel Reeves following a significant government reshuffle.
Experts caution that Premium Bonds winnings may lead to unexpected tax bills depending on how they’re used.
McVitie’s introduces a new caramel-flavoured Penguin biscuit available in major UK supermarkets just in time for autumn.
Despite a wider trend of decreasing car insurance premiums in the UK, a new report indicates that prices for drivers under the age of 25 have seen a recent increase.
A major government reshuffle has fueled speculation about the future of Chancellor Rachel Reeves as the UK's long-term borrowing costs reach a 27-year high amidst broader European economic uncertainty.
The Powerball jackpot has skyrocketed to an estimated $1.3 billion after no one won the top prize in the latest drawing, marking the 41st consecutive drawing without a winner and setting up the fifth-largest jackpot in the lottery's history.
Greggs has introduced a £5 meal deal nationally along with new autumn-inspired menu items including Chicken Fajita Bake and Pumpkin Spice specials.
Financial expert Martin Lewis has issued a powerful warning against online criminals who use his name and deepfake technology in 'disgraceful' adverts to scam vulnerable people, after a woman's husband lost thousands of pounds.
New data reveals councils increasingly use one-off cash incentives to persuade private landlords to accept homeless households, costing taxpayers millions.
Councils are spending millions placing homeless families in hotels due to housing shortages, raising questions about long-term policy failures.
Clase Azul is a premium Reposado Tequila that is as famous for its elegant, hand-painted ceramic decanters as it is for its contents.
Formula 1's elite showcase their extravagant maritime lifestyles with multi-million pound yacht collections, from Toto Wolff's €22m vessel to Charles Leclerc's twin boats.
Following Congress’s vote to strip federal funding, public TV and radio stations race to fill budget holes with local donations, reduced network dues, and a national rescue push.
Labour accused of planning to replace traditional meat with insect proteins in British diets to cut carbon emissions.
Virgin Voyages introduces its fourth Lady ship, the Brilliant Lady, designed as an adult-only party cruise with innovative entertainment and dining.
Lords and Ladies of the manor are facing financial difficulties, leading them to sell off their historic estates due to declining revenues and the high cost of maintenance.
A price increase for the weight-loss drug Mounjaro has sparked affordability concerns among its 1.5 million users in the UK, despite a discount being offered.
Bath is crowned the UK's top city for food lovers, boasting a rich culinary scene alongside its historic streets and natural thermal springs.
The family-owned Taybeh Brewing Co from the occupied West Bank has teamed up with Scottish firm Brewgooder to launch 'Sun Stone,' a beer that will be sold in 1,600 Co-op stores in the UK.
Shares in UK power company Drax Group PLC fell sharply after the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) initiated a probe into the firm's accounting practices regarding its 'renewable' fuel sources.
