Tesco, M&S and Debenhams in strong UK sales

Shares of UK supermarket leader Tesco fell despite the grocer’s strongest quarterly sales growth for more than five years, while Marks & Spencer rose as it reported its best clothing sales in more than five years.

Tesco shares fell at one stage as much as 4.1% in London trading after its report of UK same-store sales growth of 1.8% in the third quarter failed to meet investors’ lofty expectations.

Investor hopes had been heightened this week by Morrison Supermarkets’ best Christmas performance for seven years and robust industry sales data.