The FTSE 100 lagged behind other European markets Friday, after UK retail sales fell 2.7% in May, sharply worse than expected, raising concerns about a weakening economy in Q2. Berkeley Group led declines, down 8%, after reporting a 5.1% fall in annual pretax profits and announcing CFO Richard Stearn as its new CEO. While build costs were stable, weak economic conditions have pressured pricing. The firm noted improving sales volumes but flagged low consumer confidence. On the upside, Melrose surged around 4%, Standard Chartered, and International Airlines Group gained over 1.5%.
