First Trust United Kingdom AlphaDEX Fund

FKU

Market cap $78.1M

FOX Business White House correspondent Edward Lawrence reports the details of President Donald Trump's pharmaceutical deal with the U.K. on 'Varney & Co.'

European equities eked out a modest gain on Thursday, with the pan-European Stoxx 600 reversing early losses to finish 0.12% higher as investors assessed a shifting global economic landscape, incoming corporate news, and rising expectations of US monetary easing. Germany's DAX led the region's major indices, advancing 0.22% to end the day at 23,777.

The plan presented by the chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, called for spending increases and higher taxes on the wealthy and the middle class.

Finance minister Rachel Reeves said the leak by the government spending watchdog was "deeply disappointing" and a "serious error."

UK October CPI inflation slowed to 3.6% YoY, signaling a peak and supporting expectations for continued disinflation into 2026. Housing & household services, especially energy, drove the deceleration, while food prices rose more than expected, warranting close monitoring.

Escalating U.S.-China trade tensions are shaking global markets, prompting investors to eye UK ETFs like EWU as a potential safe haven.

The U.K. sees mixed signals: slowing growth and easing inflation, but a $150B U.S. deal could spark investor optimism.

The mood of British consumers dampened a little this month, with expectations of a slowing economy and the potential for tax increases later this year threatening an even greater downturn.

The Bank of England held its Bank Rate at 4.00% in September, reflecting a more unified and cautious stance amid persistent inflation risks. MPC members overwhelmingly supported maintaining rates and continuing quantitative tightening, reducing gilt holdings by £70 billion over the next year.

UK inflation remained stable in August, with headline and core CPI readings aligning with expectations and showing only modest shifts in goods and services. Energy and food prices continue to exert upward pressure, but underlying measures, especially in services, suggest some easing in inflationary trends.