London stocks had extended gains by midday on Friday as data showed that retail sales bounced back in October but remained weaker than before the pandemic.
The FTSE 100 was up 0.9% at 7,409.04, while sterling was 0.3% firmer versus the dollar at 1.1897.
Figures released earlier by the Office for National Statistics showed that retail sales volumes nudged higher in October, partially reversing September’s fall.
Sales rose 0.6% following a fall of 1.5% – revised down from an initial estimate for 1.4% – in September, when shops and businesses closed for the state funeral of Elizabeth II. Analysts had been expecting a rise of around 0.5%.
Jarvis Investment Management Ltd offers a wide range of stockbroking and administration services and solutions. Their parent company, Jarvis Securities plc (LON:JIM) is listed on AIM.