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UK stocks paused on Friday near multi-week highs as weakness in homebuilder shares weighed following retail sales and consumer sentiment data that pointed to an economic slowdown.

After a bruising year marked by soft earnings and fickle investor sentiment, the UK equity market is quietly repositioning itself for a rebound in 2026, according to a new strategy note from UBS. The Swiss bank argues that the FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 are entering the new year on firmer footing than many investors expected, with purchasing managers' indices (PMIs) for both indices now solidly in expansion territory.

British consumers kept a tight rein on their spending in November as they awaited finance minister Rachel Reeves' budget, while retailers said Black Friday sales disappointed, according to surveys on Tuesday.

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.

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.