British equities wrapped up the week in the red, with London's FTSE 100 down 0.41%, as investors assessed fresh economic data and monitored developments in the Middle East.
Data from market research company Growth from Knowledge showed Britain's consumer confidence indicator at -23 points in June, unchanged from the previous month. The indicator defied analysts' expectations for a dip to -24 points.
Meanwhile, the latest retail sales figures from the UK's Office for National Statistics painted a picture of recovery, with monthly retail sales in May up 1.2%, rebounding from a revised 1% decline in April and exceeding forecasts of a 0.5% increase. Year over year, retail sales in the UK rose 3.2% in May.
Separate ONS data showed UK public sector net borrowing, excluding public sector banks, increased to 23.29 billion pounds sterling in May from 23.03 billion pounds earlier.
"Spending on debt interest, public services, investment and benefits all increased in May 2026, compared with last May, more than outweighing higher tax receipts," ONS Senior Statistician Tom Davies said.
Geopolitical developments also remained in focus after planned US-Iran talks in Switzerland were postponed, casting uncertainty over the timing of further negotiations aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East. Switzerland said it remains willing to facilitate future discussions.
On the corporate front, Entain (ENT.L) is reportedly considering options for its Central and Eastern Europe joint venture, including a potential sale of its majority stake to partner EMMA Capital. According to Reuters, proceeds from a deal could be used to reduce the betting and gaming company's debt. Entain wrapped up the week 1.23% lower.