iShares FTSE 250 UCITS ETF

MIDD

VUKE

CUKX

UK shares saw a slight increase, with the FTSE 100 up 0.13% and the FTSE 250 up 0.29%, following lower-than-expected April inflation at 2.8%. Analysts debate the necessity of rapid rate hikes by the Bank of England, while some caution that inflation may rise again due to higher oil prices. Notable stock movements included a 1.6% rise in aerospace and defense stocks and a 4.2% increase for Marks & Spencer, which anticipates profit growth this year.

Fidelity

Marks and Spencer Group plc

Vanguard FTSE 100 UCITS ETF

iShares Core FTSE 100 UCITS ETF GBP (Acc)

iShares Core FTSE 100 UCITS ETF GBP (Dist)

ING Groep

Babcock International Group PLC

UK shares edge higher as benign inflation data reassures investors

L100

HUKX

HMCX

UK PM Keir Starmer faces a potential leadership challenge from Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who is reportedly preparing to resign. Despite calls for Starmer's resignation from around 100 Labour MPs, many lawmakers urge caution against launching a leadership bid. Starmer's leadership is under pressure after Labour's significant losses in local elections. Interestingly, while political risk spreads remain contained, gilt yields have risen, indicating a risk premium for UK debt. Market sentiment is cautious, with investors hesitant to engage in gilt trading amid political uncertainty.

ZeroHedge

Lyxor FTSE 100 UCITS ETF

HSBC FTSE 100 UCITS ETF

HSBC FTSE 250 UCITS ETF

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc.

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial

HSBC Holdings Plc

HSBC

HSBC HOLDINGS

HSBC 5xShortSG241213

UK Risk Spreads Oddly Calm As PM Starmer Faces Growing Threat Of Ouster

Blue chips close lower amid US-Iran stalemate - For the week, the FTSE 100 fell 2.7%, the FTSE 250 also declined 2.7% and the AIM All-Share dipped 1.7%.

Blue chips close lower amid US-Iran stalemate

High-level UAE and UK policymakers and business leaders discussed the strengthening of their economic partnership at a recent Parliamentary Reception. They emphasized investor confidence amid regional disruptions and called for collaboration in sectors like AI, energy, and life sciences. The UAE has seen a record $45.6 billion in FDI and is now among the top ten global exporters. Bilateral trade exceeds £25 billion annually, with the UAE–UK Sovereign Investment Partnership committing nearly £30 billion in investments. A new White Paper was launched to enhance collaboration in skills and qualifications.

Zawya

BlackRock

Brookfield

Barings BDC

BlackRock Tech and Private Equity Term Trust

BLACKROCK MULTI-SECTOR INCOME TR COM USD0.001(S/R 09/09/2025) WI

Blackrock Enhanced Div Achievers Trust

BlackRock Science and Tech Term Trust

BlackRock Multi-Sector Income Trust

UAE–UK economic partnership deepens as investor confidence holds amid regional disruption

SDRC

FTAL

Sue Noffke, head of U.K. Equities at Schroders, stated that UK stock valuations remain attractive despite political uncertainty and global market volatility. In an interview with CNBC, she highlighted that valuations are appealing, especially for smaller companies.

Schroders plc Non Voting

Schroders PLC

SPDR FTSE UK All Share UCITS ETF

ISHRS MSCI Uk

Franklin FTSE UK

UK stock valuations remain appealing despite market volatility – analyst

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) announced that the UK's GDP in February increased by 0.5% month-on-month, exceeding market expectations of a 0.1% increase, with the previous value revised upward to a 0.1% increase. The GDP for the three months ending in February increased by 0.5% compared to the three months ending in November of last year, surpassing market expectations of a 0.2% increase, with the previous value revised upward to a 0.3% increase

AASTOCKS

The UK's GDP in February rose by 0.5% month-on-month, exceeding expectations

MONY

Mony Group Plc (LON:MONY) insider Peter Duffy purchased 96 shares at an average price of GBX 157, totaling £150.72. The stock traded up to GBX 161.26 with a market cap of £841.64 million. Analysts have a consensus "Buy" rating, with Jefferies raising the price target to GBX 230. Mony Group operates a tech-led savings platform and is part of the FTSE 250 index, focusing on helping households save money through various financial services.

Market Beat

Moneysupermarket.com Group plc

Mony Group (LON:MONY) Insider Purchases £150.72 in Stock

The decades-old section 106 policy in Britain, designed to boost social housing, is now blamed for hindering the property market. Housebuilders must provide affordable homes to gain planning consent, reducing their profits. Critics argue this has delayed over 45,000 homes and cost builders £1.3bn in the past year. While the government insists on the necessity of affordable homes, many developers face challenges in securing housing associations for these projects, leading to stalled developments and financial strain on smaller builders. The policy's effectiveness is under scrutiny as housing needs grow amid rising costs and taxes.

The telegraph

The affordable homes rule fuelling Britain’s housebuilding crisis

RUKL

RUKS

London stocks fell on Thursday, with the FTSE 100 down 0.3% and the FTSE 250 down 1.1%, as rising oil prices and doubts over a Middle East ceasefire dampened risk appetite. Despite a strong rally the previous day, investors grew cautious amid geopolitical uncertainty. Energy stocks outperformed, with the FTSE 350 energy index rising about 1%. However, rate-sensitive sectors faced pressure from higher gilt yields, impacting housing and consumer-focused shares. The market remains caught between support from oil prices and pressure from rising yields and geopolitical risks.

Invezz

RBS Market Access SICAV - RBS Market Access Leveraged FTSE 100 Monthly Index ETF Capitalisation

RBS Market Access Short FTSE 100 Monthly Index ETF

FTSE falls 0.3% as rising oil prices shake rate cut expectations

iShares FTSE 250 UCITS ETF(MIDD.UK)