FTSE 100 Tumbles Amid Economic Concerns

The UK's main stock index fell on Friday, impacted by personal goods and automobile shares, while investors evaluated U.S. jobs data for insight on potential Federal Reserve interest rate cuts. FTSE 100 saw a steep weekly decline, influenced by global economic concerns and mixed U.S. employment figures.

The UK's primary stock index closed lower on Friday, influenced by declines in personal goods and automobile shares. Investors delved into U.S. jobs report data to gauge the potential for Federal Reserve interest rate reductions.

The FTSE 100 shed 0.7%, marking its sixth consecutive daily decline and a 2.5% weekly loss, the steepest since mid-January. Despite this, it outperformed its European and U.S. counterparts, with the STOXX 600 and S&P 500 down 3.6% and over 4%, respectively.

The FTSE 250, focused on domestic stocks, dropped 1.3% and posted its largest weekly fall in six weeks at 2.8%. The personal goods sector led declines at 3.7%, hitting its lowest level since December 2009, exacerbated by a 5.2% drop in luxury retailer Burberry. Automobiles and parts, followed by industrial metal miners, also saw significant losses.

(With inputs from agencies.)