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FTSE 100 Up Slightly In Cautious Trade
(RTTNews) - U.K. stocks are turning in a mixed performance in cautious trade on Friday with investors digesting some earnings updates, and hoping for a de-escalation in U.S. - China trade spat.
According to some reports, China may suspend its 125% retaliatory tariffs on select U.S. imports.
The benchmark FTSE 100 is up 6.52 points or 0.07% at 8,413.96.
Among the gainers, Melrose Industries is rising 3.6%. St. James's Place, Babcock International, Rentokil Initial and Rolls-Royce Holdings are up 2.3 to 2.75%.
BAE Systems, Mondi, Entain, Sainsbury (J), Polar Capital Technology Trust, Intertek Group, Informa, The Sage Group and IAG are up 1 to 1.5%.
Endeavour Mining is declining 2.1%. RightMove is down nearly 2%, while Anglo American Plc and Unilever are down 1.9% and 1.8%, respectively.
Fresnillo, Antofagasta, Marks & Spencer, Diageo and Weir Group are lower by 1 to 1.4%.
In economic news, a report from the Office for National Statistics said UK retail sales grew unexpectedly in March as good weather boosted sales of clothing and outdoor retailers.
Retail sales grew 0.4% on a monthly basis, confounding expectations for a decline of 0.3%, the report showed. However, this was slower than the 0.7% increase in February and marked the third consecutive increase.
Excluding auto fuel, retail sales gained 0.5% after a 0.7% rise. Sales were expected to drop 0.4%.
On a yearly basis, retail sales growth advanced to 2.6% from 1.8% in February. Similarly, core retail sales growth improved to 3.3% from 1.8%.
Swiss Franc Recovers Against Majors
Euro Advances Against Most Majors
Canadian Market Slightly Lower In Cautious Trade
Swiss Market Ends Modestly Higher
European Stocks Close Higher
U.S. Consumer Sentiment Deteriorates Modestly Less Than Estimated In April
Russia Holds Key Interest Rate As Expected
