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UK Retail Sales Rise Unexpectedly as iPhone Offsets Budget Gloom

UK retail sales unexpectedly rose 0.3 percent in September, driven by strong demand for consumer technology, providing a much-needed boost for the government ahead of its upcoming budget amid concerns over rising taxes and consumer confidence.
A fashion retail worker on the shop floor.
Though the effect is likely to be limited, the surprise figures at least mean that Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government will avoid another round of criticism about negative data in the run up to the Oct. 30 budget. (Shutterstock)

UK retail sales rose unexpectedly on demand for consumer tech including the new iPhone, a welcome boost for the new government after it was accused of hurting sentiment with warnings of tax rises in this month’s budget.

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