Tokyo leads gains after producer prices rise; Oracle's AI-driven forecast fuels tech rally as investors await U.S. consumer inflation data
FTSE 250 group raises earnings outlook and expands buybacks after strong demand in south‑east France and growth in Trainline Solutions
Chancellor signals reforms to ease cliff-edge penalties for small firms ahead of a critical November budget amid pressure from retailers and hospitality groups
Retailer cites Extended Producer Responsibility levy and higher employer NICs; chief executive urges Chancellor to reform business rates ahead of peak trading
Pre-tax losses widened to £88m after new packaging levy and higher employer NICs; boss calls on Chancellor to deliver meaningful business rates change
ABF flags falling consumer confidence and Budget uncertainty as Primark like-for-like sales dip; Inditex posts stronger early autumn sales
JPMorgan Discovery Trust says focused products and exposure to electrification can make small, domestically rooted European companies attractive as defence valuations rise
Oracle's shares jump 42% after earnings, lifting co-founder Larry Ellison's net worth to roughly $393 billion
Lenders commonly allow 'porting' of fixed-rate mortgages but borrowers face fresh affordability checks, potential split products and trade-offs between penalties and long-term savings