British stocks opened slightly higher Wednesday, supported by steady inflation figures, while broader news included enhanced U.K.-U.S. tech collaboration, GSK’s $30 billion U.S. investment plan, and President Donald Trump’s state visit to the U.K.
At 07:26 GMT, the FTSE 100 gained 0.05%, while the pound slipped 0.09% against the U.S. dollar to 1.36. Germany’s DAX rose 0.5%, and France’s CAC 40 advanced 0.2%.
U.K. Inflation Remains Unchanged
Inflation in the U.K. held steady at 3.8% in August, nearly double the Bank of England’s 2% target, suggesting that the central bank will likely maintain its current monetary policy during Thursday’s meeting. The August rate matches July’s level, the highest since January 2024, when inflation stood at 4.0%.
GSK Commits $30 Billion to U.S. Expansion
Pharmaceutical giant GSK plc (LSE:GSK) announced plans to invest $30 billion in the United States over the next five years. The funds will support research and development, supply chain upgrades, and new manufacturing facilities, including a $1.2 billion plant near Philadelphia for respiratory and oncology treatments.
“Today, we are committing to invest at least $30 billion in the United States over the next 5 years, further bolstering the already strong R&D and supply chain we have in the country,” said GSK CEO Emma Walmsley.
AstraZeneca’s Fasenra Falls Short in COPD Trial
In pharmaceutical news, AstraZeneca PLC’s (LSE:AZN) asthma therapy Fasenra did not meet the primary endpoint in a late-stage trial for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). AstraZeneca said that safety and tolerability observed in the RESOLUTE trial remained consistent with the drug’s known profile. A full analysis of the results will be conducted and shared with the scientific community.
Barratt Redrow Reports Strong Financial Results
Barratt Redrow PLC (LSE:BTRW) reported robust performance for the year ending June 29, 2025. The U.K.’s largest housebuilder posted a 33.8% increase in revenue to £5.58 billion from £4.17 billion the prior year. Statutory profit before tax rose 60.5% to £273.7 million. Excluding costs tied to the Redrow acquisition, adjusted profit before tax reached £591.6 million, slightly surpassing analysts’ forecasts of £582.8 million.
U.K. and U.S. Strengthen Tech and Energy Cooperation
On the international front, the U.K. and U.S. have signed a technology agreement to boost collaboration in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and civil nuclear power. Leading American companies, including Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT), have pledged £31 billion ($42 billion) in U.K. investments.
Shell Adjusts Operations in Indonesia
Shell PLC (LSE:SHEL) announced reductions in operating hours and staff at select Indonesian gas stations due to supply constraints.
Ben & Jerry’s Co-Founder Jerry Greenfield Departs
In corporate developments, Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, resigned after 47 years, ahead of Unilever PLC’s (LSE:ULVR) planned ice cream spinoff. Greenfield voiced his disappointment on social media, stating: “It’s profoundly disappointing to come to the conclusion that that independence, the very basis of our sale to Unilever, is gone.”
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