Soaring UK Retail Sales Defy Headwinds in Boost for Reeves

UK retail sales soared in April, continuing a surprisingly strong start to the year and offering hope that the economy can defy headwinds from tax hikes, rising household bill and US President Donald Trump’s global tariff war.

The volume of goods sold online and in stores increased 1.2% on the month, the Office for National Statistics said Friday. It marked the fourth consecutive monthly rise and followed the best quarter for British retailers since 2021. Economists were expecting a 0.3% increase.