FX.co ★ FTSE 100 Snaps 6-Day Winning Streak

The FTSE 100 experienced a decline on Friday, breaking its six-day winning streak, due to UK retail data not meeting expectations. In June, retail sales increased by only 0.9%, falling short of predictions, and the significant drop in May figures was revised even lower to -2.8%, marking the steepest decline since December 2023. Consumer confidence also took a hit, as indicated by a decrease in the GfK index, as households prepare for potential tax increases in the autumn. JD Sports was among the sharpest losers, with its shares falling by over 2.5%, fueled by anxieties over possible US tariffs following Puma's reduced earnings projections. Rightmove saw a decrease of more than 1.5%, despite exceeding first-half profit expectations, cautioning that growth would decelerate in the second half. Nonetheless, Rightmove pointed out positive developments in the property market, citing a year-on-year increase in June listings and demand by 9% and 6%, respectively. On a positive note, NatWest shares climbed more than 1% after the bank raised its full-year income projection to over £16 billion and revealed a £750 million share buyback planned for the second half of 2025. Despite Friday's downturn, the FTSE 100 is poised for its fifth consecutive weekly gain, remaining close to record-high levels.