The FTSE 100 traded around the flatline on Friday but remained near its lowest level since July 21 and was heading for a weekly decline of more than 2%, its steepest fall since April. HSBC, Unilever and Rolls-Royce were among the biggest drags, while Shell and BP outperformed as higher oil prices supported energy stocks. UK equities received some support from stronger-than-expected economic data: GDP rose 0.4% in July after expanding 0.3% in June, exceeding economists’ expectation of no growth for a third consecutive month. The figures suggest the UK economy may be more resilient than expected in the second half of 2026. Brent crude eased toward $105 a barrel but remained on course for a weekly gain of almost 10%.