Stocks are mostly higher at midday on Friday and a weekly gain seems to be in the cards. Retail sales declined more than expected in January, off 0.9% compared to the 0.2% decline economists expected.

Steph, 30, from London, who chose not to publish her surname, said her weekly shop cost her £20 in 2015 - now it's an "extortionate" £50, despite cutting out meat and fish to save money.

Cairo’s stance on Gaza will remain unchanged despite threats by Trump to withhold aid if it does not comply with his plans to take over the Strip and expel the Palestinians.