We don’t support this browser anymore.
This means our website may not look and work as you would expect. Read more about browsers and how to update them here.

London pre-open: Stocks to edge lower as investors mull inflation reading

Wed 22 October 2025 07:29 | A A A

No recommendation

No news or research item is a personal recommendation to deal. Hargreaves Lansdown may not share ShareCast's (powered by Digital Look) views.

Market latest

FTSE 100 | FTSE 250 | Paris CAC 40 | Dow Jones | NASDAQ

9515.00 | Positive 88.01 (0.93%)
Graph

Prices delayed by at least 15 minutes

(Sharecast News) - London stocks were set to edge down at the open on Wednesday as investors mulled the latest UK inflation reading and earnings from Barclays.

The FTSE 100 was called to open around 10 points lower.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics showed the rate of inflation was unchanged in September, after a jump in airfares was offset by lower prices elsewhere.

The cost of food also fell for the first time since May 2024.

The consumer prices index rose by 3.8% in the 12 months to September 2025, unchanged on August. Analysts had been expected an increase, to 4%.

Core inflation, which strips out the most volatile elements of energy, food, alcohol and tobacco, rose 3.5%, down from the 3.6% seen in August.

In corporate news, Barclays Bank said pre-tax profit fell 7% in the third quarter to 2bn - in line with estimates, launched a 500m share buyback and unveiled a plan to move to quarterly share buyback announcements.

The lender said it also planned to return at least 10bn of capital to shareholders between 2024 and 2026, through dividends and share buybacks, with a continued preference for the latter.

Precious metals miner Fresnillo reiterated its full-year production guidance after trading in line with expectations in the third quarter, but said gold output was trending towards the upper end of its target range.

As expected, silver production of 11.7m ounces fell by 6.6% quarter-on-quarter and 19.1% year-on-year due to the cessation of mining activities at San Julin, which accounted for a fifth of total silver output in 2024, as well as lower ore grades. Gold production of 151,300 ounces was down 4.1% over the quarter and 3.5% lower compared with last year.

Consumer goods giant Reckitt Group reiterated its full-year guidance as it reported a "strong" third-quarter performance, with like-for-like net revenue up 7% in the three months ended 30 September at 3.61bn.

Reckitt's emerging markets vertical saw a significant LFL net revenue increase of 15.5% to 1.08m, while Europe returned to growth with a 0.8% increase to 865m and North America grew by 1.3% to 658m.

    Daily market update emails

    • FTSE 100 riser and faller updates
    • Breaking market news, plus the latest share research, tips and broker comments

    Register now for free market updates

    The value of investments can go down in value as well as up, so you could get back less than you invest. It is therefore important that you understand the risks and commitments. This website is not personal advice based on your circumstances. So you can make informed decisions for yourself we aim to provide you with the best information, best service and best prices. If you are unsure about the suitability of an investment please contact us for advice.