UK retail sales unexpectedly fell 0.3% in December, following a revised 0.1% rise in November. The decline, driven by weak food sales, adds to concerns about the economy and raises expectations for a Bank of England interest rate cut next month.
UK retail sales unexpectedly declined in December, according to official figures released on Friday. This adds to a series of disappointing economic data, strengthening expectations that the Bank of England may lower interest rates next month.
Retail sales, adjusted for the impact of Black Friday, dropped by 0.3% month-on-month in December, following a revised 0.1% increase in November, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported. Economists had predicted a 0.4% rise in sales from November.
The drop was largely driven by weak food sales, which fell to their lowest level since 2013, with supermarkets hit particularly hard, said ONS senior statistician Hannah Finselbach.
In response to the data, the pound slipped around a quarter of a cent against the U.S. dollar, falling below $1.22.
For the fourth quarter as a whole, retail sales were down by 0.8%, which the ONS noted could reduce economic growth by approximately 0.04 percentage points.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has warned that Nigel Farage's economic plans would damage the British economy, calling them unrealistic and comparing them to the failed policies of former PM Liz Truss.
Tourists are being warned not to jam coins into the iconic Giant’s Causeway rocks as the practice is causing lasting damage to the 60-million-year-old formation.
The British government has responded to a U.S. court ruling that blocked President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs, describing it as a domestic matter for Washington but emphasizing that the case remains in its early legal stages.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi issued a stern warning to the UK on Wednesday saying nothing would be left to discuss if London demanded Tehran to cease its nuclear enrichment program.
King Charles and Queen Camilla expressed deep shock and sadness after a car plowed into crowds celebrating Liverpool FC’s Premier League victory.
The Kingsway Exchange Tunnels beneath London, which served as the real-world inspiration for James Bond's legendary Q Branch, are set to become one of the world's most extraordinary spy museums by 2028.
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni adopted a joint statement to expand their strategic partnership following talks held on Friday in Astana.
French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that the growing divide between the U.S. and China poses the most serious threat to global stability, urging countries to form coalitions for collective action.
Australia warns of a dangerous new nuclear arms race as global treaties falter and powers like China and Russia shift the balance.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reiterated Pakistan’s enduring support for United Nations peacekeeping operations, highlighting the country’s historic contributions and calling for renewed international resolve to strengthen peacekeeping efforts in a rapidly evolving global security landscape.
AnewZ takes to the streets of Yerevan and Baku to ask a simple yet deeply complex question: How do you see peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan? In the first part of our special report, we hear the hopes, doubts, and scars still shaping people’s perspectives on both sides.
On May 28, the inauguration ceremony of Lachin International Airport was held.
A car drove into crowds of Liverpool fans celebrating the club’s Premier League title in the city centre on Monday evening, injuring dozens including 4 children. A 53-year-old man believed to be the driver was arrested at the scene.
EU ministers have greenlit a massive €150 billion defense investment fund—dubbed the Security Action for Europe (SAFE)—as the bloc ramps up its military readiness in response to Russia’s aggression and growing uncertainty over U.S. security guarantees.
Kyiv faced a large-scale Russian drone and missile assault overnight, with explosions and gunfire echoing throughout the city, forcing residents to shelter in subway stations.
The Kingsway Exchange Tunnels beneath London, which served as the real-world inspiration for James Bond's legendary Q Branch, are set to become one of the world's most extraordinary spy museums by 2028.
Banksy has returned with a mysterious new artwork—this time, possibly in France—and fans are buzzing with theories.
Police detained five individuals on Wednesday during a protest linked to Gal Gadot’s latest film shoot in central London, citing offences including harassment and obstruction of workplace access.
Under the stars in Rome, Dior unveiled its cruise and haute couture 2026 collections with a dreamy runway show inspired by Italian cinema and theatre.
Rick Derringer, the rock guitarist behind hits like “Hang On Sloopy” and “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo,” has died at age 77. He was known for his decades-long career and collaborations with music legends and pop culture icons.
The Kingsway Exchange Tunnels beneath London, which served as the real-world inspiration for James Bond's legendary Q Branch, are set to become one of the world's most extraordinary spy museums by 2028.
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni adopted a joint statement to expand their strategic partnership following talks held on Friday in Astana.
French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that the growing divide between the U.S. and China poses the most serious threat to global stability, urging countries to form coalitions for collective action.
Australia warns of a dangerous new nuclear arms race as global treaties falter and powers like China and Russia shift the balance.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reiterated Pakistan’s enduring support for United Nations peacekeeping operations, highlighting the country’s historic contributions and calling for renewed international resolve to strengthen peacekeeping efforts in a rapidly evolving global security landscape.
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