The FTSE 100 fell 0.5% by Friday, trading at 8,287.94, affected by profit warnings from FedEx and Mercedes. The FTSE 250 dropped 0.9% to 20,962.75, while the AIM All-Share eased 0.2% to 746.81.
Mercedes reduced its profit guidance due to worsening conditions, particularly in China, and is now expecting an adjusted return on sales of 7.5% to 8.5%. FedEx shares plummeted 13% following its own profit warning.
On a positive note, Nike shares surged 6.5% after a management shakeup.
Economic data showed retail sales rose 1.0% in August, surpassing forecasts, but consumer confidence plummeted. The GfK Consumer Confidence Index fell seven points to minus 20, with significant drops in economic and personal finance outlooks.
Retailers faced pressure despite rising sales, with B&M down 2.1%, Next falling 1.8%, and JD Sports slipping 1.6%. Burberry dropped 4.2% after a downgrade from Jefferies.
In the FTSE 250, Volution Group jumped 11% on an acquisition announcement, while Moonpig rose 1.6% and Card Factory climbed 4.4% following an upgrade from UBS.
Gold prices reached a new high of $2,618.86, buoyed by a weak dollar and expectations of further rate cuts.
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