We don’t support this browser anymore.
This means our website may not look and work as you would expect. Read more about browsers and how to update them here.

Friday preview: UK retail sales, Babcock results

Thu 20 November 2025 07:37 | A A A

No recommendation

No news or research item is a personal recommendation to deal. Hargreaves Lansdown may not share ShareCast's (powered by Digital Look) views.

(Sharecast News) - Friday will see the release of the latest UK retail sales data and half-year results from defence engineer Babcock.

UK public sector net borrowing and retail sales figures for October are scheduled for release in the morning.

Michael Hewson at MCH Markets Insights said that despite a sharp decline in both April and May, UK consumer spending has been remarkably resilient in the months since then, with four months of positive readings across the summer months, and into the autumn.

"July, August and September all saw robust readings of 0.5%, 0.6% and 0.5% respectively, despite very low consumer confidence," he noted.

"This resilience helped keep the UK economy above water in Q3, however with the November budget coming up and a government who appear intent on putting the fear of God into people with speculation over what might be in this year's red box it wouldn't be surprising to see a sharp slowdown in October retail spending.

"12 months ago, Rachel Reeves assured everyone who would listen that she would not be back with further tax rises. At the time there was enormous amounts of scepticism about this hostage to fortune remark and so it has proved, amid scenes reminiscent of Groundhog Day.

"This time last year saw UK retail sales post negative numbers in October, November, December and January. Will it be different this time given the prevailing gloom in recent economic numbers? I wouldn't bet against it."

On the corporate front, Babcock is due to release results for the six months to 30 September.

Bloomberg consensus is for adjusted revenue of 2.52bn, adjusted operating profit of 187.7m and adjusted pre-tax profit of 167.5m.

Friday November 21

INTERIM DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE

Bytes Technology Group , Howden Joinery Group, Next 15 Group, Tesco, Warpaint London

QUARTERLY PAYMENT DATE

JPMorgan Asia Growth & Income, M Winkworth, Primary Health Properties, Supermarket Income Reit, TBC Bank Group

FINALS

ASOS

SPECIAL DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE

Goodwin Plc

AGMS

Celtic, Craneware, Provexis

UK ECONOMIC ANNOUNCEMENTS

GFK Consumer Confidence (00:01)

Public Sector Net Borrowing (07:00)

Retail Sales (07:00)

FINAL DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE

MJ Gleeson , Smiths Group

    The value of investments can go down in value as well as up, so you could get back less than you invest. It is therefore important that you understand the risks and commitments. This website is not personal advice based on your circumstances. So you can make informed decisions for yourself we aim to provide you with the best information, best service and best prices. If you are unsure about the suitability of an investment please contact us for advice.


    More company news from ShareCast