The latest from London: Inflation and China fears weigh on UK markets

UK markets continue to struggle for direction, after a higher close on Wall Street but a weak session in China due to regulatory concerns and poor economic data, with retail sales in the country only growing by 2.5%, compared to expectations of 7%.

China's tech and real estate giants are under pressure, and European markets are starting to feel the pinch, especially in industries reliant on Asian shoppers.

The blue-chip index was up 0.5% this morning, lifted by aero and defense stocks.

Among stocks, AstraZeneca jumped 0.9% after JPMorgan said it remains optimistic on the case.

After releasing an upbeat guidance, Ashtead soared 3%, while IG Group Holdings climbed 4.9%, after it said its revenues were boosted by the acquisition of online brokerage Tastytrade.

Markets digested inflation data in the UK, where the CPI increased 3.2% YoY, strengthening fears that the Bank of England will act soon to raise interest rates. Investors will focus today on U.S. retail sales data, due at midday, which should offer clues as to when the Fed will unveil plan to reduce its asset purchases.

 

Things to read:

• Russian elections: persecution, money distribution and Putin system (Financial Times)
• The biggest star of Chinese cinema has been erased from the Internet, and the mystery remains (Wall Street Journal).
• The long march of Chinese brands to Western markets  (The Conversation).
• What Joe Biden should tell Boris Johnson about Northern Ireland (Financial Times)