1. Retail footfall drops in December to cap off tough Christmas and year
BRC boss Helen Dickinson noted “a drab December” had capped off a “disappointing year” in which retail footfall fell by 2.2%.
2. HSBC to cut prices as mortgage rates fall into new year
Average two-year fixed mortgage rates sat at 5.4767% come Friday, according to Moneyfacts, against 5.4808% before the turn of the year.
3. FTSE 100 drops as poor mortgage data hits housebuilders
Gains by heavyweights Shell and BP failed to buoy London's blue-chip index on Friday.
4. easyJet, British Airways owner drop on higher oil price threat
“With oil creeping higher in the first knockings of 2025, fuel costs could still return as a meaningful headwind for the industry,” AJ Bell noted.
5. Bar sales surge ahead of Christmas as festive drinks flow
According to CGA by NIQ’s Hospitality Business Tracker, sales grew by 20.5% across Britain’s managed bars over the week from December 16.
And with small caps
Mosman Oil and Gas is ‘very excited’ about acquisition of prime helium exploration opportunity