The FTSE 100 traded around the flatline on Friday, remaining near its lowest level since July 21 and heading for a weekly decline of more than 2%, its steepest fall since April. Heavyweight stocks including HSBC, Unilever and Rolls-Royce were among the main drags, while Shell and BP remained the strongest performers, supported by higher oil prices. UK equities received some support from stronger-than-expected economic data, with GDP rising 0.4% in July after expanding 0.3% in June. The increase was well above economists’ expectations for no growth and marked a third consecutive month in which the economy exceeded forecasts, suggesting the UK may prove more resilient than expected during the second half of 2026. Meanwhile, Brent crude eased towards $105 a barrel but remained on course for a weekly gain of almost 10%.