UK public sector net borrowing hits £18.3bn in August
UK public sector net borrowing rose to £18.3bn in August, up £2.9bn year-on-year and above both market expectations and the Office for Budget Responsibility forecast.
8% on Monday, as oil prices turned lower following a report that Iran could reopen the Strait of Hormuz if the US lifted its blockade of Iranian ports. Kingfisher led individual gainers, climbing more than 9% after raising its profit guidance on strong momentum at Screwfix and in Poland and Iberia. 5% after reporting higher revenue and highlighting expected second-half growth at John Crane, along with continued benefits from the data-centre boom at Flex-Tek. 4%, respectively.
President Trump is due to address the UN General Assembly and may meet with Iran’s president. On the data front, a gauge of British factory orders rose this month to its highest level since July 2023, according to a CBI survey. 5 billion.