UK stock market today: FTSE 100 slips as upbeat UK data meets rate-cut doubts; Babcock, C&C move
The FTSE 100 fell 0.13% to 10,136.43 on Friday, reversing early gains as strong UK retail sales and a jump in business activity fueled speculation the Bank of England may delay rate cuts. Retail sales rose 0.4% in December, beating forecasts, while the UK Composite PMI hit 53.9, its highest since April 2024. Babcock shares slipped 1.2% after its CEO announced plans to retire. C&C Group dropped 9.6% on a profit warning.