Mixed Signals: Jobs Cool, Tariffs Ease | CityCast PM – Tue 13 May 2025

The FTSE 100 dipped while the FTSE 250 advanced in a mixed session Tuesday, as traders digested fresh labor market data, corporate shifts, and a further easing in US-China trade tensions. China’s surprise move to lower tariffs on US goods helped lift Wall Street, but signs of a cooling UK job market tempered sentiment at home.In this edition: UK unemployment hits 4.5%, retail sales bounce back, and sterling edges higher. We cover major movers including Entain, RS Group, DCC, and Wicks, while also unpacking Starling Bank’s regulatory setbacks. From the US: moderating CPI figures, Microsoft job cuts, and UnitedHealth shares plunge after a surprise CEO exit.CityCast PM brings you London’s end-of-day market summary in just under ten minutes.⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 – Intro & FTSE recap: FTSE 100 down, FTSE 250 up00:30 – Currencies: Sterling up vs USD, down vs EUR00:50 – China cuts US tariffs to 10%; Wall Street rallies01:30 – UK jobs data: Pay slows, unemployment at 4.5%02:10 – Retail sales surge 7% in April, Easter and weather cited02:45 – Goldman Sachs upgrades UK & US growth forecasts03:20 – Corporate updates:• Entain & RS Group upgraded• Wickes Group sales rise• DCC revenue lags expectations04:10 – Starling Bank under CMA scrutiny over survey data04:45 – Wall Street check-in: Nasdaq leads, Dow lags05:10 – US CPI: Headline 2.3%, core steady at 2.8%05:45 – Corporate news:• UnitedHealth down 14% on CEO exit• Microsoft cuts 3% of staff06:30 – Looking ahead: Earnings from Compass & Burberry