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UK stocks inched higher Friday, as data showed a pick up the pace of the UK retail sales ahead of the key Christmas trading period. At 10:00, the benchmark FTSE 100 index was up 16 points, or 0.2%, at 7,277.04.
UK retail sales jumped by 1.4% in November, driven by strong trading around Black Friday and Christmas shopping, the Office for National Statistics says.
Focusrite fell 2.9% to £15.26 after reporting that revenue was in line with management's expectations in the first quarter of its fiscal year, driven by 'strong' demand.
Building solutions supplier SIG was up 3.8% to 46.7 pence after upgrading its outlook on annual profit, driven by stronger than expected performance in the fourth quarter as positive momentum continued.
Full year underlying operating profit outturn, which is now expected to be ahead of prior expectations and no less than £40 million, SIG said.
Chemicals company Johnson Matthey was up 1% at £20.10 after saying it had sold its health business to Altaris Capital Partners for £325 million.
Aviation services group Air Partner was up 2.4% to 84.40 pence after raising its annual profit outlook following 'strong' levels of demand in its private jets business.