UK equities drop after hotter than expected inflation data

UK shares slipped on Wednesday, as gains in energy and precious metal mining stocks were offset by a hotter than anticipated consumer inflation data, which stoked concerns of further monetary tightening by the Bank of England.

The FTSE 100 index edged down 0.2% by 7:10 GMT, while the mid-cap index lost 0.3%.

Data showed British annual consumer price inflation was hotter-than expected in September, while the core inflation fell less than expected, raising fears of another rate hike by the central bank.


Sterling also rose after the data.

Precious metal miners added 0.6%, as the safe-haven asset was a favoured choice against war risks after a deadly blast in Gaza fuelled fears about the regional conflict escalating.

Heavyweight oil and gas sector advanced 0.3%, as the escalation of turmoil in the Middle East sparked concerns about potential disruptions in oil supply from the region.

Whitbread shares advanced 3.0% after the hotelier announced a share buyback plan of 300 million pounds ($366.15 million), following a 44% rise in half-yearly profit.

UK's largest homebuilder Barratt Developments refrained from providing a full-year profit forecast, citing an "uncertain" outlook in a challenging mortgage market. The stock lost 1.4%.