The FTSE 100 faces a stern test of its new high levels this week, with Israel-Iran tensions still running high and Tehran facing warnings from President Trump. Positive news for businesses came, however, from the G7 summit where the UK and US finally signed off on their trade agreement.
Domestically, inflation data came in higher than expected meaning no month-to-month drop in the rate after revised figures from the ONS, with all signals pointing to the Bank of England holding interest rates when they announce the latest MPC decision on Thursday.
For investors, a cautious tone has been seen this week and most futures are showing major markets opening flat as a result. AO World and Oxford Metrics were among the firms reporting today, while the FTSE 100 was flat for most of the day.
The Independent brings you the latest business news and stock market updates from Wednesday.
Business and Money news - live updates
- UK inflation holds higher than expected despite fuel costs lowering
US stocks rise before Fed decision on interest rates
15:40
,
Karl Matchett
The S&P 500 and the Dow Industrial are both around 0.44 per cent up today, with the Federal Reserve due to make its announcement on interest rates later this evening.
A slightly great gain for the Nasdaq, meanwhile, puts it 0.52 per cent up in early trading.
Uncertainty abounds due to escalating tensions with Iran however, with Donald Trump saying “patience is wearing thin”.
PZ Cussons narrows profit guidance and sells stake in Nigerian palm oil firm
15:20
,
Karl Matchett
Imperial Leather and Carex soap firm PZ Cussons has trimmed the top end of its profit guidance and announced plans to sell its half of a Nigerian oils business.
The London-listed firm said its profit outlook has been impacted by £2 million of new packaging recycling costs under the so-called Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) rules, as well falling sales of self-tanning St Tropez ranges in the US.
It is now guiding for underlying earnings of between £52 million and £55 million for the year to the end of May, with the top end being cut from the £58 million previously expected.
Shares fell 4% in trading on Wednesday.
Insurance firms don't yet see positive return on AI
15:06
,
Karl Matchett
A new study across insurance firms has revealed that AXA and Allianz are leading the way in making AI an effective part of their workload.
However, only one insurer is reporting an actual return on investment through AI use so far.
The new index covers talent capability, innovation, leadership and responsible AI use among other factors.
Shares in pharma sink after Trump says tariffs coming soon
14:20
,
Karl Matchett
AstraZeneca and GSK are two of the fallers in the FTSE 100 today, around 1.0 and 1.5 per cent respectively, on news Donald Trump says pharmaceutical tariffs are coming very soon.
The US president says the tariff announcement will be a “major” one.
Trade groups have raised objections about the legality and feasibility of such actions.
Stock exchange news: AIM turns 30 - returns remain poor
14:00
,
Karl Matchett
AIM, the London Stock Exchange’s junior market for small to medium sized growth companies, turns 30 tomorrow.
But as Jason Hollands from Evelyn Partners points out, while there have been definite successes within AIM, overall it hasn’t offered a return if investors don’t want to stock pick within it.
“Since the FTSE AIM index was launched in 1997, it has delivered a total return of -6.3%, compared to 454% from the FTSE All-Share and 559.6% from the FTSE Small Cap Index of smaller companies listed on the main market,” said Mr Hollands.
There are now about 650 firms listed on AIM, down from a high of around 1700.
Government urged to do more to show it values public services
13:20
,
Karl Matchett
A senior union leader has urged the Government to do more to show it values public services and the workers who deliver them.
Christina McAnea, general secretary of Unison, told her union’s annual conference in Liverpool that if the Government could change its mind on so many issues, it could change it on taxation.
US stocks flat in pre-trading
13:00
,
Karl Matchett
US stocks are poised to open mostly flat this afternoon, with futures showing both the Dow and the S&P 500 barely changing from last night’s close.
The Nasdaq is set for a 0.12 per cent rise, but even that minimal gain could yet change.
The Fed will give its interest rates decision later today in the US.
FTSE 100 lower after inflation data
12:35
,
Karl Matchett
The FTSE 100 is down 0.14 per cent as we head into the afternoon, with the FTSE 250 at -0.28 per cent.
Europe is emulating those losses, with the German DAX at -0.52 per cent in another day of losses.
UK shares were up earlier in the day but have fallen since, with Howden Joinery Group the biggest faller of the day at 3 per cent in the red.
No change expected in Bank of England rates path
11:47
,
Karl Matchett
Barclays analysts have taken a look through inflation figures and concluded the Bank of England are likely to stick with the plan: one rate cut a quarter.
“High inflation levels, combined with strong food inflation, will keep the MPC cautious around the outlook for inflation over the coming months. This will only be exacerbated by recent moves in commodity prices, an assessment of which will need to be weighed against the signal from the backwards-looking data. Taken together, we continue to expect the MPC to be on a quarterly rate cutting path from here until it reaches 3.5% in February next year.”
The wide expectation is for a hold tomorrow at 4.25 per cent.
Business news latest: Amazon, Airbus, Nintendo
11:08
,
Karl Matchett
A quick wrap of some headline company news from this morning and overnight:
Amazon have told staff that some roles will be replaced by AI across the coming years. A memo from the CEO said numbers were uncertain but he expected to reduce the total workforce, which is around 1.5m.
Airbus have given guidance aiming to pay out increased dividends and said they remain on a path to profitable growth.
Nintendo shares rallied overnight once more after selling more than 3.5m units of the Switch 2 since its launch less than a week ago.
UK inflation: Chocolate rising at the fastest pace on record
10:40
,
Karl Matchett
We’ve seen how grocery prices as a whole are contributing to inflation staying higher, but one item in particular is rising at the fastest rate since records started: chocolate.
Cocoa harvests were hit by bad weather and some firms may be passing on increased labour costs through increased prices too.
It all means chocolate prices rose 17.7 per cent in May year on year, the fastest pace since ONS started gathering that data almost a decade ago.
This is the reason why inflation figures are being reported differently today
10:20
,
Karl Matchett
Official data suggests the UK’s rate of inflation eased from 3.5% in April to 3.4% in May – but in reality the figure was unchanged, standing at 3.4% in both months.
The discrepancy is to do with an error made in the initial calculation of April’s inflation rate.
Here are the details:
Inflation reaction: Grocery prices the key factor
10:06
,
Karl Matchett
Matthew Allen, economics and macroeconomic expert at University of Salford, has pointed to grocery prices being a sticking point - as well as “forces well beyond the supermarket aisle” as geopolitics impact at every turn.
“Today’s figures show UK consumer price inflation stuck at 3.4% for a second month, even after the Office for National Statistics revised April’s print to correct a tax-data error. The main driver is food: grocery prices are still climbing at almost twice the overall rate, offsetting cheaper air fares and package holidays that have nudged transport costs lower,” he said.
“Inflation’s descent is being slowed by forces that reach well beyond the supermarket aisle. Across the Atlantic, Donald Trump’s renewed push for “reciprocal” import tariffs is already feeding through to higher input costs for British manufacturers. Closer to home, April’s increase in employer National Insurance contributions and the rise in the National Living Wage have squeezed company margins, prompting many firms to pass at least part of that burden on to consumers.
“Looking ahead, geopolitical risk looms large. Any escalation in the Middle East that disrupts energy supplies could push headline inflation back up next month, making the path to the Bank of England’s 2% target even trickier.
“Against this backdrop, last month’s precautionary cut leaves Bank Rate at 4.25%. With price pressures proving stickier than hoped, the Monetary Policy Committee is likely to sit tight at its June meeting. Holding rates now would give policymakers more time to assess whether underlying inflation, especially in services, is finally on a sustainable downward track.”
Will interest rates be cut tomorrow? Key factors and 2025 predictions
09:40
,
Karl Matchett
The Bank of England’s (BoE) next meeting to determine interest rates is on Thursday 19 June, and all eyes will be on the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) and whether its members opt to continue lowering rates.
The base rate - currently at 4.25 per cent following cuts in February and May - impacts consumers and taxpayers through everything from their mortgages to savings, so what do experts foresee both next week and beyond?
AO World delivers record profits as sales jump higher
09:20
,
Karl Matchett
Online electricals retailer AO World has notched up record annual profits as it cheered the success of its membership scheme and surging sales.
The group reported a better-than-expected 32% rise in underlying pre-tax profits to £45 million for the year to March 31.
Including its recently acquired Music Magpie business, underlying profits rose 27% to £44 million.
Shares are down 0.8 per cent in early trading.
Inflation reaction vs interest rates choices
09:00
,
Karl Matchett
More reaction to inflation figures rolling in.
AJ Bell’s Danni Hewson, head of financial analysis, says the Bank of England might feel an interest rate cut is a must sooner rather than later to boost the economy, but that remains a risk given inflation is still significantly above target.
“Market expectation of a rate cut by the MPC when it meets tomorrow has actually climbed slightly to 12% and looking at today’s figures there could be a degree of wiggle room,” Ms Hewson noted.
“Both core inflation and service sector inflation have fallen in the past month, and rate setters may want to get ahead of potential volatility in order to stimulate a flatlining economy which looks perilously close to toppling towards stagflation. But with such uncertainty and volatility, staying put might seem like the only smart move.”
Naomi Smith, chief executive of campaign group Best for Britain, has called for the government to ease trade barriers to the EU to help drive the economy.
“Trump’s tariffs, conflict in the Middle East and disrupted supply chains are all helping to keep inflation stubbornly above the Bank of England's target of 2 per cent so it is imperative that the government uses every available lever to ease the cost of living for Brits.
“That means delivering on the promises from last month's summit with the EU and going further to removing artificial trade barriers with our largest market for all sectors of the economy, cutting costs and beginning to bring prices down on everything from food to fuel, from cement to chemicals, and from metals to machinery.”
FTSE 100 opens flat as investors continue cautious approach
08:16
,
Karl Matchett
Overnight saw the Nikkei rise but the Hang Seng fall in a mixed session in Asia.
This morning, the FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 have opened broadly flat, around 0.1 per cent up each.
European markets show similar numbers as markets digest overnight news and the UK inflation data.
UK inflation rate holds at 3.4 per cent – but risk remains
08:08
,
Karl Matchett
UK inflation has fallen in some areas driven by decreased air fares and motor fuel dropping in price - though some food prices increased and so too did household goods.
The Office for National Statistics said that its key measure of inflation, the consumer prices index, was 3.4 per cent in May - having also been 3.4 per cent after revised figures in April, its highest level for more than a year.
Inflation in the UK had been dropping, having reached a high of 11.1 per cent in October 2022. A rise for April was expected due to raised labour costs, rising energy bills and changes to social housing costs, among other factors.
But the leap was above the expected figure and led Chancellor Rachel Reeves to acknowledge disappointment at the rise.
A drop in some areas for May will be taken as a limited positive, though inflation remains some distance above the Bank of England’s government-mandated 2 per cent target.
Business news live - Wednesday
07:58
,
Karl Matchett
Good morning and welcome to our rolling business news coverage on The Independent.
Stock markets, interest rates and more coming up - but we start with inflation data from the UK.
FTSE closes down on Tuesday ahead of inflation data
Tuesday 17 June 2025 16:30
,
Karl Matchett
The FTSE 100 has closed in the red for the day, but the UK benchmark index is still up more than 8 per cent since the start of the year.
Whether investors continue to shrug off geopolitical concerns is up for debate but with the G7 summit, Donald Trump pushing Iran to close a deal with Israel for good and plenty more going on besides, this is a big week where much could still change.
More domestically, Wednesday morning will bring the latest inflation data, with interest rates set to change (or stay the same, in fact) on Thursday.
That’s it for our coverage today - we’ll be back in the morning with the latest coverage from 7am. See you then!
Public-private deal to invest £1bn in offshore wind supply chains unveiled
Tuesday 17 June 2025 16:15
,
Karl Matchett
A public-private deal to drive £1 billion investment into offshore wind supply chains has been announced by the Government.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said the “unprecedented” collaboration would help deliver clean energy jobs, energy security and lower bills, with investment in areas such as Teeside, Scotland, South Wales and East Anglia.
In addition to previously-announced funding of £300 million from publicly-owned Great British Energy, the Crown Estate has pledged £400 million to support new infrastructure including ports, supply chain manufacturing and research and testing facilities.
And £300 million from industry would match government funding, to deliver investments into supply chains such as advanced turbine technology and offshore wind turbine foundations, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) said.
US stocks fall as investors show caution
Tuesday 17 June 2025 16:00
,
Karl Matchett
US stocks have opened lower as expected and an hour and a half into trading, the S&P 500 is down 0.3 per cent.
The Nasdaq is 0.4 per cent lower too, mirroring the FTSE 100 which is at the same level.
France’s CAC 40 and Germany’s DAX are 0.8 and 0.9 per cent in the red for the day as we approach the end of the trading session.
Businesses could be forced to tell you how much your colleagues are paid
Tuesday 17 June 2025 15:40
,
Karl Matchett
Businesses could be forced to disclose salary bands on job adverts and tell workers what their colleagues are earning.
Ministers are discussing the possible changes as part of plans to overhaul equality laws as the government seeks to end pay discrimination.
This could include a new Equal Pay Regulatory Unit, which would have the power to issue fines and change employees’ contracts if needed, with legislation to expand on gender-based equal pay rules to include race and disability discrimination too.
The body may also be able to offer advice and offer mediation if required.
The move to potentially enforce the publication of salaries would be a notable shift, with business groups showing initial concern that it would make it difficult to attract and retain staff.
Unilever announce plan for new ice cream boss
Tuesday 17 June 2025 15:00
,
Karl Matchett
Unilever are proposing that Peter ter Kulve be appointed CEO of the ice cream business which will be spun out and listed on the Amsterdam stock market later this year.
The Magnum Ice Cream Company (TMICC) owns Walls and Cornetto, as well as Ben & Jerry’s - the latter of which has been highly critical of Mr Ter Kulve in the past, regarding their social activism policies.
The business had turnover of more than $9.5bn in 2024.
UK economic data on the agenda this week
Tuesday 17 June 2025 14:39
,
Karl Matchett
Tomorrow marks the start of a busy period in UK economic data, starting with inflation figures.
Experts are anticipating a headline CPI figure of 3.3 per cent for May - a drop from April, but still well above the 2 per cent target.
On Thursday we then have the Bank of England’s MPC giving their latest interest rate decision.
There, a hold at 4.25 per cent is the expectation.
Consumer confidence and retail sales are also on the way this week.
A third of UK businesses plan to lay off staff
Tuesday 17 June 2025 13:55
,
Karl Matchett
A survey of 500 business owners has revealed a third (33 per cent) plan to lower their staff levels during the coming year, while 46 per cent plan to raise prices.
This is in large part to combat the increased costs businesses face as a result of rising NICs and other labour costs.
Almost 40 per cent said they were scaling back expansion plans as a result of the taxes, with a quarter of companies having already enacted their plans.
Claire Burden, a partner at S&W - the accountancy firm which commissioned the study - said: “Businesses face considerable challenges in the current economic climate, and many owners are having to make difficult decisions to stay afloat.
“Given that salaries represent a considerable proportion of the overall cost base for most businesses, it is to be expected that many are looking closely at headcounts in response to the increased national insurance costs.”
Nvidia chief exec says UK 'incredible' investing spot
Tuesday 17 June 2025 13:30
,
Karl Matchett
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has said the UK has “one of the richest AI communities anywhere on the planet” and suggested it was an “incredible place to invest”.
Do you agree? Do you already invest in UK plc or other areas?
Let us know in the comments section below - it’s a hot topic this year, considering valuation gaps, departures from the LSE and the government’s attempts to get more people investing.
US stocks poised to open down after Trump's G7 departure
Tuesday 17 June 2025 13:00
,
Karl Matchett
That investor confidence looks set to be replicated across the Atlantic too.
US stocks are showing a lower opening point compared to last night, with futures showing the S&P 500 down almost 0.5 per cent and the Nasdaq a slightly bigger loss.
Trading opens in an hour and a half in the States.
FTSE 100 remains down but oil stocks buck trend
Tuesday 17 June 2025 12:30
,
Karl Matchett
Shell and BP are two of the three highest risers in the FTSE 100 today, both up more than 1.2 per cent - despite the index as a whole being down 0.4pc.
Investors are remaining cautious in the face of escalated activity between Israel and Iran, with oil prices increasing by more than 1.25pc on Tuesday as a result.
President Trump has said he wants a “real end” to hostilities rather than a ceasefire between the two.
Poundland to shut 68 shops and two warehouses after takeover
Tuesday 17 June 2025 12:03
,
Anna Wise, PA
Hundreds of jobs are at risk at Poundland after the retailer announced plans to shut 68 shops and two of its UK warehouses following its takeover by investment firm Gordon Brothers.
Last week, Pepco Group sold the discount chain for £1 after it had been hit by a sharp downturn in trading in recent years.
On Tuesday, Poundland said it is seeking court approval for a restructuring plan to shut 68 shops and secure rent reductions on dozens more.
The retailer said it expects to end up with between 650 and 700 stores after the overhaul. It currently runs around 800 stores across the UK and Ireland but stressed Irish shops have not been affected.
Poundland said it also plans to close its frozen and digital distribution site at Darton, South Yorkshire, later this year and another warehouse at Springvale in Bilston, West Midlands, in early 2026.
Around 350 people will be affected by the warehouse closures.
The company has not disclosed how many store workers will be impacted.
Inside the anger at Avon as furious reps walk away over drastic commission cuts
Tuesday 17 June 2025 11:40
,
Karl Matchett
Avon is facing growing anger from its legion of sellers after cutting commission rates in a move that some workers say has wiped out more than two-thirds of their income.
Changes to pay structures, which affect thousands of representatives across the UK, have been introduced alongside shifting targets and reduced incentives – leaving many reps feeling misled, and prompting some to walk away from the company altogether.
The cosmetics and homeware brand, known for its historic door-to-door model, has long relied on a network of independent business owner representatives to sell products across the UK. But many of those reps, who are not direct employees of Avon with contracts, now say they’re being forced to leave, unable to make the numbers work.
The Independent has seen internal company emails that appear to erroneously downplay the impact of the changes.
Full exclusive report:
SoftBank sell $4.8bn stake in T-Mobile
Tuesday 17 June 2025 11:17
,
Karl Matchett
SoftBank sold a $4.8bn stake in T-Mobile overnight to fund their bet on AI.
The Japanese company offloaded much of its holding of the telecommunications firm at $224 per share, Bloomberg report - an 3 per cent discount of the closing price.
SoftBank are pushing investments in AI and are expected to put close to $40bn into OpenAI, Stargate and others.
FTSE 100 latest: Shares down on Israel-Iran tensions
Tuesday 17 June 2025 10:38
,
Karl Matchett
The vast majority of FTSE 100 stocks are in the red today, with the overall index showing a 0.5 per cent loss so far. Europe is even further in the red, France and Germany’s indices showing 1-1.2 per cent losses.
“The UK stock market saw broad-based losses, with only six FTSE 100 stocks in positive territory. BP and Shell were among the rare risers as oil prices held firm after a recent rally,” commented Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell.
“Middle East tensions are showing no signs of easing back, putting investors on high alert.
“Germany’s Rheinmetall was the biggest faller on the Dax index as investors locked in profits after a strong run for the defence group. With so much uncertainty across financial markets, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see profit taking in other stocks or assets that have done well this year.
“Direct Line is set to disappear from the UK stock market in a fortnight after Aviva cleared most of the hurdles to buy the insurer. The competition watchdog still needs to report back on its investigation into the deal, but Aviva seems confident there won’t be any issues. It will mark the end of an era for a stock that was historically popular with income investors thanks to generous dividends.”
Interest rates to be held in US and UK
Tuesday 17 June 2025 10:21
,
Karl Matchett
Here in the UK, the Bank of England’s MPC meets on Thursday to announce whether interest rates are to be cut or held. Expectation is on a hold at 4.25 per cent, with two further cuts to come later this year.
Meanwhile in the US, the Federal Reserve holds it’s latest meeting today and the central bank is also expected to hold, maintaining a 4.25-4.50 per cent rate.
The Bank of Japan has already announced an unchanged rate, while the Swiss National Bank and Norges Bank (Norway) are meeting this week in Europe too.
The European Central Bank reached 2 per cent this month with an eighth cut in a year, with eurozone annual inflation reaching 1.9 per cent in May - below the 2 per cent target.
Anglian Water profits go up after price increases as debt swell to £7.7bn
Tuesday 17 June 2025 10:00
,
Karl Matchett
Anglian Water has revealed stronger profits on the back of price increases for households, as the water supplier also reported another jump in debts over the past year.
The utilities firm, which provides services to seven million people in the east of England, also revealed an increase in pollution incidents over the year.
Anglian revealed on Friday that revenues grew by 7.5% to £1.75 billion for the year to March 31, compared with a year earlier.
The rise was linked to price increases of 8.6% during the year.
Earlier this year, the company said it was putting up bills by a further 19%, to an average of £626 a year, for the 2025/26 financial year from April.
Nationwide to raise CEO maximum pay following mega takeover
Tuesday 17 June 2025 09:45
,
Karl Matchett
Nationwide members will vote on a proposed new pay package for chief executive Debbie Crosbie next month, which could see her earn up to £6.9m.
Previous guidelines had seen Ms Crosbie able to earn up to £4.8m, making this a 43% potential increase, depending on achieving criteria for bonuses.
Nationwide say the increase is on the back of both rivals upping their pay levels considerably and on the back of Nationwide’s £2.9bn takeover of Virgin Money, which Ms Crosbie successfully led.
Ms Crosbie is the only woman to lead one of the UK’s so-called big six.
Nationwide returned more than £2bn to customers this year following the Virgin Money takeover.
Aviva set to complete £3.7bn takeover of Direct Line in July
Tuesday 17 June 2025 09:30
,
Karl Matchett
Insurer Aviva has said its £3.7 billion takeover of rival Direct Line is set to complete next month after “constructive” talks with the competition watchdog.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is not due to report back on its so-called phase one investigation on the takeover until July 10 but Aviva said it was “confident” of receiving the all-clear for the deal.
“Following constructive engagement with the CMA, Aviva remains confident of securing unconditional clearance by the phase 1 statutory deadline,” it said.
Aviva is pressing ahead with plans for a court hearing to sanction a July 1 completion of the takeover, which was first announced on December 23 last year.
The combined group will be a significant force in the motor insurance sector, estimated to cover more than a fifth of the total UK market.
More details:
Report finds world banks gave $869bn to fossil fuel firms
Tuesday 17 June 2025 09:15
,
Karl Matchett
A coalition report by eight green groups has shown that $869bn (£640bn) was handed out as funding by the world’s biggest banks to companies engaged in fossil fuels.
Gas, oil and coal companies reversed the trend which had been a lowering of finance over the previous three years, amid a worsening climate crisis.
JPMorgan Chase lent the most according to the report, at more than $53bn.
23andMe set to head back to founder
Tuesday 17 June 2025 08:56
The former CEO of 23andMe, the DNA ancestry firm which went bankrupt earlier this year, is set to regain control of the company after an auction.
Through a non-profit organisation, Anne Wojcicki has agreed to buy the firm for $305m (£224m) - beating off a pharmaceutical business which had bid $256m for it.
Ms Wojcicki resigned from her post after failing to take the company private while chief executive.
Around 15 per cent of customers have reportedly requested closure of their account amid fears their genetic data could be sold to an unknown company.
FTSE 100 opens lower, European shares sink
Tuesday 17 June 2025 08:27
,
Karl Matchett
Plenty of red out there in the early minutes of trading this morning.
The FTSE 100 is 0.56 per cent down, while for the 250 it’s 0.2pc and for the AIM it’s 0.24pc.
Europe is a similar story, with France’s CAC 40 down 0.8pc, the German DAX down 1.55pc and Spain’s IBEX 35 at the same figure.
Only one company in the UK’s benchmark index is up more than 1 per cent this morning: BP, the biggest riser at 1.4 per cent.
TSB put up for sale by Sabadell
Tuesday 17 June 2025 08:02
,
Karl Matchett
Yesterday we heard news of a potential Metro Bank buyout; today another high street name is on the watchlist.
TSB is owned by Spanish bank Sabadell, but the parent firm has confirmed there is interest from bidders and is set to “assess any potential binding offers”.
TSB was bought by Sabadell from Lloyds ten years ago.
Tuesday's business and stock markets news
Tuesday 17 June 2025 07:56
,
Karl Matchett
Good morning and welcome back to our rolling business live updates.
Today there’s plenty coming up to start a busy midweek: Ashtead and Informa are among those with financials on the agenda, we’ll hear more about the UK-US trade deal and we’ll have all the stock markets news as it comes too.
FTSE 100 closes up 0.3%
Monday 16 June 2025 16:32
,
Karl Matchett
That’s it for daytime trading in the UK - the FTSE 100 has had a reasonably positive day, 0.3 per cent up with Entain’s 15 per cent rise accounting for some of that.
Meanwhile, airlines are in the green too - Easyjet up about 2.3 per cent and BA owner IAG up a full 3.7 per cent, following steep drops last week on higher priced oil.
In the US, trading has started well in the green with the S&P 500 more than 1.0 per cent up and the Nasdaq at 1.5 per cent.
We’ll be back tomorrow morning with all the overnight news and latest business headlines - catch you then.
UK-US trade deal in effect 'soon', says Starmer
Monday 16 June 2025 16:25
,
Karl Matchett
Keir Starmer has suggested the trade deal between the UK and US will be in effect “very soon”.
"I'm certainly seeing President Trump today, and I'm going to discuss with him our trade deal," Starmer told reporters at a G7 meeting.
"I'm very pleased that we made that trade deal, and we're in the final stages now of implementation, and I expect that to be completed very soon."
Cars, steel and beef were among the finer points being debated in that tariff deal.
Warner Bros Discovery take step toward split
Monday 16 June 2025 15:38
,
Karl Matchett
Reuters are reporting that Warner Bros Discovery bondholders “have overwhelmingly approved a plan to split the corporation and put in place a new capital structure related to the deal.”
The plan is to split that business into multiple parts to unlock better value and focus the organisation on its relative strengths, such as streamings.
Exclusie: Avon sellers angered after commission rate cuts
Monday 16 June 2025 14:00
,
Karl Matchett
Avon is facing growing anger from its legion of sellers after cutting commission rates in a move that some workers say has wiped out more than
