UK trade deficit widens in June, but construction recovers

Exports of British goods to countries outside the European Union fell to their lowest level since September 2011, coinciding with the pound hitting a near six-year high against the dollar.

UK retail sales post surprise rise in July

British retailers reported an unexpected rise in sales in July, and much higher sales than previously thought in June, data showed on Thursday, boosting hopes that the UK's recession may not be as deep as feared.