FTSE 100 slipped 0.2% after Easter reopening, while GBP/USD fell to 1.3241 amid Iran deadline concerns in global markets.
UK Services PMI dropped to 50.5 in March, marking the weakest 11‑month expansion and falling below the 51.2 flash estimate.
New car registrations rose about 6% in March, with battery‑electric vehicles reaching a record 23% share, short of the 33% 2026 target.
WH Smith named Leo Quinn Executive Chair after March 12 AGM; Andrew Harrison left board to resume his role as UK division CEO.