The FTSE 100 climbed over 0.5% on Friday to a new record high, extending weekly gains to about 3%, its best performance since April. The rally was fueled by upbeat UK economic data, as September retail sales strengthened optimism following encouraging public finance figures and easing inflation, signaling resilient consumer activity. NatWest rose nearly 3% after posting stronger-than-expected profits and raising its 2025 income and returns guidance, underscoring solid business momentum. The update reflected broader strength across UK banks benefiting from higher-for-longer interest rates. LSE shares advanced more than 5%, extending a 6.7% surge from the previous session after reporting robust quarterly results. GSK, however, fell around 1.5% despite US approval of its blood cancer drug Blenrep, with analysts noting regulatory complexities. Meanwhile, US inflation data showed consumer prices rising slower than expected in September, bolstering global market sentiment.
