India, June 19 -- The UK stock market traded lower on Friday, with the FTSE 100, FTSE 250 & FTSE 350 coming under pressure despite stronger-than-expected retail sales data. Investors instead focused on a sharp rise in government borrowing, growing political uncertainty, and concerns over global inflation risks linked to Middle East tensions.

FTSE 100 Falls Despite Positive Retail Sales

Official figures showed UK retail sales volumes rose 1.2% in May, comfortably beating economists' expectations of a 0.5% increase. The increase was driven by warmer weather, stronger online spending, and higher clothing sales. However, the positive data failed to lift market sentiment as broader fiscal and political concerns dominated trading.

UK Stock M...