The FTSE 100 is expected to open modestly lower on Wednesday, as investors await the latest UK inflation figures while renewed Middle East tensions and sharp losses across Asian markets weigh on sentiment.
Futures point to the blue-chip index opening around 20 points, or 0.2%, lower, after the FTSE 100 ended Tuesday 0.1% higher at 10,728.04.
UK inflation will take centre stage, with consumer prices expected to have risen 0.3% month-on-month in July, compared with a 0.1% increase in June. The figures will be closely watched for their implications for the Bank of England’s interest-rate outlook.
Geopolitical risk remains elevated after US President Donald Trump said there were no talks planned with Iran, contradicting earlier indications that negotiations could be progressing. Brent crude remained above $91 a barrel as uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz continued.
Asian equities suffered a broad sell-off, with Japan’s Nikkei 225 falling 3.1% and China’s Shanghai Composite dropping 2.1%, following declines on Wall Street overnight.
Sterling was broadly stable against the dollar at around $1.354, while gold weakened to approximately $4,339 an ounce.
Investors will also watch half-year results from Kenmare Resources and Oxford Nanopore Technologies, alongside eurozone inflation figures later in the session.
