UK stocks close lower, hit by Wall St selloff on inflation data

Reuters

Published Sep 13, 2022 08:37

Updated Sep 13, 2022 17:16

By Bansari Mayur Kamdar, Johann M Cherian and Aniruddha Ghosh

(Reuters) -UK's main equity indexes fell on Tuesday, echoing weak sentiment on Wall Street, as hotter-than-expected U.S. inflation data raised fears of larger interest rate increases to offset surging prices.

The blue-chip FTSE 100 dropped 1.2% to snap a three-session gaining streak, while the domestically focussed FTSE 250 index slid 1.8%.

The indexes had already been on shaky ground after data on Tuesday signalled a weakening UK job market even as the unemployment rate fell to its lowest since 1974.

The selloff gathered momentum in afternoon trading, with Wall Street's main indexes plunging over 3% as data showed U.S consumer prices unexpectedly rose in August, giving cover for the Federal Reserve to deliver another hefty rate hike next Wednesday.

"The weaker pound has given a bit of support to the FTSE 100, but the higher bond yields and weaker global growth that typically result from tighter Fed policy are a difficult mix for UK equities too," said Oliver Allen, market economist at Capital Economics.

Homebuilders were among the worst performers on the day, down 3.6% amid worries over affordability and weakness in labour market.

"Given the sensitivity of housing markets to higher interest rates, it makes some sense that homebuilders' shares have underperformed," Allen added.

The British central bank raised interest rates the most since 1995 last month. It is expected to increase them again on Sept. 22, with traders placing an 86% chance of a 75 basis-point hike. [IRPR]

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