The FTSE 100 ended in the green on Friday, outperforming European peers, despite downbeat economic news ahead of next week’s Budget.

The index closed up 12.06 points, 0.1%, at 9,539.71.

The FTSE 250 ended 20.98 points lower, 0.1%, at 21,363.37, while the AIM All-Share fell 5.56 points, 0.8%, to 735.64.

For the week, the FTSE 100 was down 1.6%, the FTSE 250 fell 2.1%, and the AIM All-Share declined 1.4%.

Figures showed a surprise drop in retail sales, higher government borrowing than expected and a slowdown in private sector activity.

The Office for National Statistics said net borrowing amounted to £17.4 billion in October, easing from £19.9 billion in September, but above an FXStreet cited forecast of £15.2 billion.

The figure topped a £14.4 billion Office for Budget Responsibilit

See Full Page