Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial newsIsrael has carried out airstrikes on Iran, US officials sayWhat we know so far about Israel’s strike on IranRetail sales across Britain stalled in March, as the cost of living squeeze continues to hit spending, new data shows.The Office for National Statistics has just reported that British retail sales volumes stagnated in March, following modest growth of just 0.1% in February (revised up from stagnation).“Retail sales registered no growth in March. Hardware stores, furniture shops, petrol stations and clothing stores all reported a rise in sales. However, these gains were offset by falling food sales and in department stores where retailers say higher prices hit trading.“Looking at the longer-term picture, across the latest three months retail sales increased after a poor Christmas.” Continue reading...