0857 GMT - U.K. inflation data for June came in weaker than expected, lowering the possibility of the Bank of England raising interest rates in the coming months. Annual headline inflation slowed to 2.6% in June from 2.8% in May, weaker than the 2.7% consensus forecast by economists in a WSJ poll. The data reinforce the case for the BOE to keep interest rates on hold in the months to come, rather than increase them, Jefferies' Modupe Adegbembo says in a note. Geopolitical risks threaten to drive up inflation, however, keeping markets cautious. (miriam.mukuru@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

July 22, 2026 04:57 ET (08:57 GMT)

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