UK Stock Market Wavers Amid Economic Data Scrutiny

On Wednesday, Britain's main stock index saw declines, driven by a drop in personal goods and homebuilder stocks. Investors are evaluating key UK and U.S. economic data before upcoming central bank interest rate decisions. The FTSE 100 dipped 0.4%, while the FTSE 250 remained flat. Homebuilder Barratt Developments doesn't expect profit growth before 2026.

On Wednesday, Britain's main stock index encountered declines, influenced by a decrease in personal goods and homebuilder stocks. Investors are closely assessing crucial UK and U.S. economic data ahead of interest rate decisions by central banks in the forthcoming weeks.

The blue-chip FTSE 100 index fell by 0.4%, hitting its lowest levels in three weeks earlier in the session. Meanwhile, the domestically-focused mid-cap FTSE 250 ended flat, following its most significant drop in almost a month.

Homebuilders sensitive to interest rates touched near one-month lows, falling 2.9%, after Barratt Developments stated it didn't anticipate profit growth until the fiscal year 2026. The homebuilder dropped 4.6%, while the personal goods index lost 4%, sinking to its lowest levels since February 2010, with sector heavyweights Burberry and Watches of Switzerland Group dipping 4.5% and 3.4%, respectively. Automobiles and parts emerged as the top sectoral gainers, rising 2.2%, and aerospace and defense shares added 0.9% as Rolls-Royce continued gains for the second session, climbing 1.8%.

(With inputs from agencies.)