Chinese export growth slowed to a six-month low in August 2025, rising only 4.4% year-on-year, as shipments to the US plunged around 33% amid renewed tariff tensions. Imports also weakened. While exports to Southeast Asia and the EU grew, they failed to offset the steep losses from US markets.

Trade relations between the U.S. and China continue to be strained as new tariffs increase disruption, while UK retail giant Marks & Spencer (M&S) grapples with a cyber-attack. Despite these challenges, the FTSE 100 index rises to an 11-day high.