UK Retail Volumes Disappoint 📉
UK retail sales volumes declined moderately in December 2024, with the outlook remaining gloomy as businesses face rising employment costs and subdued consumer spending in the new year.
The article suggests a continued decline in UK retail sales, which could negatively impact the performance of the portfolio's exposure to the European and UK markets, as well as consumer-focused stocks like Costco and Walmart. The expected slowdown in consumer spending and rising business costs could lead to a moderate negative impact on the overall portfolio.