July UK retail sales rose 1.6% year-over-year, below expectations, as European markets stabilized amid easing bond volatility.
UK retail sales growth slowed to 1.6% in July, missing forecasts and signaling weaker consumer demand. Public sector net borrowing reached £1.8B for the month, adding to fiscal pressures.
European markets showed modest gains as bond volatility eased, with the UKX up 0.26% and Germany’s DAX rising 0.23%. Germany’s manufacturing sector rebounded in August, though services activity contracted, while France’s private sector growth remained subdued.
The CAC index edged up 0.12%, reflecting cautious optimism amid mixed economic signals across the region.