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Investing.com -- British stocks moved higher on Tuesday, while the pound strengthened against the U.S. dollar after data showed the UK economy grew 0.3% in the second quarter of 2025.
The blue-chip index FTSE 100 rose 0.5% and the British GBP/USD gained 0.1% against the dollar to above 1.34.
DAX index in Germany rose 0.6%, the CAC 40 in France gained 0.2%.
UK GDP growth slows
The UK economy grew 0.3% in the second quarter of 2025, confirming a sharp slowdown from the expansion seen in the first three months of the year, according to data released Tuesday by the Office for National Statistics.
The figure remained unrevised from the ONS’s initial estimate for the April-to-June period. On an annual basis, Britain’s GDP was 1.4% higher than a year ago, revised upward from an initial 1.2% estimate.
Other news
- In corporate news, BP PLC (LON:BP) and Shell PLC (AS:SHEL) stock prices declined following reports that OPEC+ is considering fast-tracking output hikes over the coming months, a move that would increase market supply.
- 3I Infrastructure PLC (LON:3IN) shares rose after the company reported first-half returns above expectations, driven by strong performance from its largest asset, TCR. The investment company stated it is on track to exceed its target return for the period ending September 29, and to deliver its full-year dividend target of 13.45p, fully covered by net income. Management noted they maintain a disciplined approach to pricing despite an active asset pipeline.
- A.G.Barr PLC (LON:BAG) reported a 20.1% increase in adjusted profit before tax for the first half of the year, reaching £35.2 million for the 26 weeks ended July 26, up from £29.3 million a year earlier. The Scottish soft drinks maker’s adjusted operating margin widened to 15% from 13%, while revenue increased 3.1% to £228.1 million compared with £221.3 million in the same period last year. The company attributed the growth to margin improvements and strong demand for its Boost brand.
- Close Brothers Group plc (F:CBRO) swung to a full-year loss of £122.4 million after booking a £165 million provision related to motor finance commission costs, compared with a profit of £132.7 million a year earlier. The financial services company said Tuesday that the charge, combined with £33 million for a customer remediation program and £47.5 million of losses from rental businesses, outweighed underlying profitability.
- ASOS PLC (LON:ASOS) warned Tuesday that full-year revenue will fall short of market expectations as consumer demand remains soft, with profit set to land at the lower end of guidance. Shares in the London-listed online fashion retailer fell more than 10% in early trading. The company has been working to refresh its fast-fashion appeal while reducing costs amid growing competition from Chinese rivals and the added pressure of U.S. tariffs.