Investing.com -- British stocks opened slightly higher on Tuesday, extending gains from the U.S.-China trade deal, while newly released economic data showed that the U.K. unemployment rate rose in March.

As of 0715 GMT, the blue-chip index FTSE 100 gained 0.06% and the British GBP/USD rose 0.2% against the dollar to 1.32.

Meanwhile, DAX index in Germany rose 0.2%, the CAC 40 in France gained 0.04%.

U.K. unemployment data

The U.K. labor market showed signs of cooling in March, with the jobless rate ticking up as companies braced for rising employment costs ahead of any potential fallout from unpredictable U.S. trade policies under President Donald Trump.

Figures released by the Office for National Statistics revealed that the unemployment rate rose to 4.5% in the three months to March, in line with forecasts and up from 4.4% in February.

Meanwhile, regular pay growth, excluding bonuses, slowed to an annual pace of 5.6%, down from 5.9% in the previous period and falling short of the anticipated 5.7%.

IQE sees FY25 revenue in line with forecasts

U.K.-based semiconductor firm IQE PLC (LON: IQE ) said it anticipates its fiscal 2025 revenue will align with current market expectations, as the company explores the possible sale of its Taiwan operations.

IQE cited ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty affecting global markets, noting that some customers have been relying on existing inventory rather than placing new orders.

This pattern, observed in the first quarter, is expected to stabilize during the second half of the year.

Bytes Tech posts £217 mln revenue, proposes special dividend

Bytes Technology Ltd (LON: BYIT ) posted headline earnings per share (HEPS) of 22.78 pence and revenue of £217.1 million for the fiscal year ending 28 February 2025.

Alongside its results, the company proposed a final dividend of 6.9 pence per share and a special dividend of 10.0 pence per share, both subject to shareholder approval.

The revenue reflects the total income generated from its business operations during the year.

Wickes Group reports 5.5% revenue rise

Wickes Group PLC (LON: WIX ) reported a 5.5% rise in like-for-like revenue to £533.1 million for the 17 weeks ending April 26, driven largely by stronger retail sales.

Despite the growth, the home improvement retailer flagged ongoing cost pressures and a cautious consumer environment.

It also reiterated full-year pretax profit guidance of between £45.6 million and £51 million.

(This story will be updated)