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Retail sales figures have kept the UK economy in focus after yesterday’s knife-edge rates decision by the Bank of England. The Federal Reserve also paused this week but its hawkish tone has left Wall Street fearing a longer run of high interest rates. Elsewhere, Microsoft’s Activision deal has moved a step closer to clearance by the the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority.
The FTSE 100 index is within sight of its lowest close of the year after a grim week for global stock markets. London’s top flight fell again today, leaving it down by 3% since Monday as worries mount globally over higher-for-longer interest rates. Rising borrowing costs have added to pressure on the retail sector, resulting in today’s 1.2% fall in sales during washout July.
Concerns over China’s debt-laden property sector today meant a downbeat start to the week for global stock markets. Shares in Country Garden slumped in Hong Kong to a new record low after it suspended trading of 11 onshore bonds, adding to the ongoing fears about China’s economy. West End property investment business Shaftesbury Capital today took a new step to bear down on its heavy debt burden after securing a £200 million loan.
European markets have risen despite figures showing China in deflation territory. The 0.3% year-on-year decline in consumer prices for July comes a day after poor trade figures, when exports and imports both declined by double-digit percentages. Today’s corporate results include a profitable half year for Paddy Power owner Flutter Entertainment after it benefited from strong growth at its US-based FanDuel sports betting business.
The struggling China economy and results from Glencore, Abrdn and hotels group IHG are in focus for London traders today. China’s imports fell 12.4% year-on-year in July, much worse than the 5% forecast amid the weakening of domestic demand. The trade figures put pressure on Glencore shares in the FTSE 100 index after the commodities giant reported lower half-year earnings.