Investing.com -- British stocks opened higher on Friday, ending the week on a positive note after data showed U.K. retail sales rose sharply in April, up 5.0% year-on-year, alongside corporate earnings from AJ Bell PLC (LON: AJBA ).

As of 0705 GMT, the blue-chip index FTSE 100 gained 0.2% and the British GBP/USD up 0.2% against the dollar to 1.34.

Meanwhile, DAX index in Germany also gained 0.2% as Gross Domestic Product(GDP) data showed that economy expanded at twice the pace initially estimated in the first quarter. The CAC 40 in France rose 0.3%.

U.K. retail sales surge in April

U.K. retail sales saw a strong boost in April, rising 5.0% year-on-year and 1.2% month-on-month, significantly outperforming expectations.

The sharp increase suggests resilient consumer spending despite inflation, possibly supported by lower interest rates and easing global trade concerns.

March figures were also revised higher, with annual growth at 1.9% and monthly gains at 0.1%, according to data from the Office for National Statistics.

AJ Bell posts strong revenue growth in H1 2025

AJ Bell PLC (LON: AJBA ) announced on Friday a 12% rise in pre-tax profit, reaching £68.8 million for the half-year ending March 31, 2025, while revenue increased 17% to £153.2 million, driven by record platform inflows and increased customer engagement.

The firm also saw its diluted earnings per share grow to 12.36 pence, up from 11.11 pence in the same period last year.

Ofgem cuts U.K. household energy price cap by 7%

The U.K. energy regulator Ofgem has announced a 7% reduction in the price cap for household energy bills, effective from July, to align with decreasing wholesale energy costs.

Under the revised cap, the average annual energy bill will be set at £1,720, representing a £129 decrease from the current level applied between April and June.

International Paper to close five U.K. sites

U.S.-based International Paper (NYSE: IP ) announced on Friday its intention to shut down five packaging facilities in the United Kingdom (TADAWUL: 4280 ) and reduce its workforce by up to 300 positions by year-end, following the completion of its merger with Britain’s DS Smith (LON: SMDS ).

The company stated that these closures are part of strategic measures designed to enhance operational efficiency and adapt to evolving customer demands amid challenging market conditions.

(This story will be updated)