UK Retail Sales Beat Expectations as Consumers Boost Spending in September

UK retail sales rose 0.5% in September, exceeding forecasts for a 0.3% gain and marking the fourth consecutive monthly increase. The Office for National Statistics attributed the rise to stronger clothing and e-commerce sales, alongside early holiday-season demand. Energy price relief and real wage growth also supported consumer sentiment. Economists said the rebound shows resilience despite lingering inflation pressures, giving the Bank of England more flexibility as it monitors household spending patterns before its next policy decision.