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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.”

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

AstraZeneca (LSE:AZN) announced on Wednesday that its asthma medication Fasenra did not achieve the main objective in a late-stage trial involving patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The company stated that the safety and tolerability observed in the RESOLUTE trial were consistent with the drug’s known profile. It added that a comprehensive review of the trial data will be completed and subsequently shared with the scientific community.

Fasenra is currently approved as an add-on therapy for severe eosinophilic asthma in over 80 countries, including the U.S., EU, Japan, and China. It is also authorized in the U.S. and Japan for children and adolescents aged six and older, and in more than 60 nations for eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis. Additionally, the treatment is under review for hypereosinophilic syndrome.

The COPD treatment market is attracting growing attention, with Sanofi (EU:SAN) and GSK (LSE:GSK) introducing new therapies, and Merck & Company (NYSE:MRK) moving to acquire Verona Pharma to gain access to a potentially high-revenue treatment. Roche (USOTC:RHHBY) also reported a trial setback in July.

Fasenra has previously struggled in the COPD arena, missing expectations in a 2018 study. In the latest trial, the medication was tested in patients with moderate to very severe forms of the disease.

Separately on Wednesday, AstraZeneca shared positive late-stage results for its lupus therapy Saphnelo. The company stated that the TULIP-SC Phase III study of self-administered Saphnelo met its primary endpoint in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

The drugmaker said the results “showed that the subcutaneous (SC) administration of AstraZeneca’s Saphnelo (anifrolumab) demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful reduction in disease activity compared to placebo.”

The study assessed the safety and efficacy of subcutaneous Saphnelo versus placebo in patients with moderately to severely active, autoantibody-positive lupus, with all participants continuing their standard care.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Jerry Greenfield, one of the founders of Ben & Jerry’s, has stepped down from the ice cream company, reportedly saying he could no longer remain part of a business whose independence had been “silenced” by parent company Unilever (LSE:ULVR).

According to a letter reported by the Financial Times, Greenfield pointed to the gradual erosion of the brand’s autonomy as his main reason for leaving, despite merger terms originally designed to preserve the company’s social mission.

“That independence existed largely because of the special merger agreement” negotiated by Greenfield and fellow co-founder Ben Cohen, he wrote. Greenfield described the current situation as “profoundly disappointing,” adding that the very foundation of the sale to Unilever—the brand’s independent voice—has been lost.

His departure highlights growing tensions between the socially-minded ice cream company and its parent, Unilever, which acquired Ben & Jerry’s with commitments to maintain the brand’s ability to pursue social advocacy.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

European equities inched higher on Wednesday as investors positioned themselves ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve’s upcoming policy announcement and the release of regional inflation figures.

By 07:05 GMT, Germany’s DAX index had gained 0.5%, France’s CAC 40 rose 0.3%, and the U.K.’s FTSE 100 was up 0.1%.

Markets Focus on Fed

Attention across global markets, including European stocks, is centered on the conclusion of the Fed’s two-day meeting later today. The central bank is widely expected to lower interest rates, which has generally supported riskier assets.

Policymakers will also provide guidance on the trajectory of rates over the next year and release the quarterly Summary of Economic Projections. Markets are pricing in a near-certain 25-basis-point rate cut to bring the Fed’s benchmark rate to the 4.00%-4.25% range. Investors also anticipate additional easing, potentially totaling around 150 basis points by the end of next year.

“Equity markets are edging higher amid resilient business sentiment and the prospect of lower core borrowing costs,” noted analysts at ING.

Regional Inflation in Focus

Beyond the Fed, attention will also turn to eurozone inflation data. August CPI is forecast to rise 2.1% year-on-year, slightly above July’s 2.0%, and close to the European Central Bank’s target. The ECB kept rates unchanged last week but signaled flexibility regarding possible future cuts, citing uncertainties in trade, energy prices, and exchange rates.

In the U.K., inflation held steady at 3.8% annually in August, nearly double the Bank of England’s target, suggesting policymakers are likely to maintain current monetary settings when they meet on Thursday.

Trump Visits the U.K.

U.S. President Donald Trump is in the U.K. for a state visit, spending time at Windsor Castle with King Charles and Queen Camilla, and scheduled to meet Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday.

During Trump’s visit, pharmaceutical giant GSK (LSE:GSK) announced plans to invest at least $30 billion in U.S. research, development, and manufacturing over the next five years. The investment includes $1.2 billion for advanced manufacturing, AI, and digital technologies to develop “next-generation biopharma facilities and laboratories,” the company said.

Meanwhile, Nestlé (BIT:1NESN) revealed that Chairman Paul Bulcke will step down earlier than planned, handing over leadership to former Inditex CEO Pablo Isla. The announcement accelerates a period of significant management change at the Swiss food and beverage company, maker of KitKat and Nescafé.

Oil Prices Slip from Two-Week Highs

Crude futures edged lower Wednesday, giving back some of Tuesday’s gains amid lingering concerns over potential disruptions to Russian supply.

At 03:05 ET, Brent crude fell 0.2% to $68.33 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate declined 0.2% to $64.39 per barrel. Both benchmarks had jumped over 1% the previous session, reaching two-week highs, following fears that Russian exports could be impacted by Ukrainian drone attacks on key ports and refineries.

U.S. petroleum data also supported oil markets, showing an unexpected 3.2 million-barrel draw in inventories for the week ending September 12, according to the American Petroleum Institute. Official inventory figures are expected later Wednesday.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Barratt Redrow PLC (LSE:BTRW) has posted resilient results for the year ending June 2025, with adjusted profits surpassing expectations despite a challenging housing market. The acquisition of Redrow has proven transformative, with synergies realized ahead of schedule and the integration process largely complete. While the company anticipates limited growth in FY26, it maintains a solid balance sheet and a clear long-term growth strategy.

During the year, Barratt Redrow completed 16,565 homes, and the net private weekly reservation rate rose by 16.4%. The company also proposed an 8.6% dividend increase and continued share buyback initiatives. Operational highlights include the successful integration of Redrow, industry-leading quality and sustainability practices, and new joint ventures aimed at developing over 4,000 homes in West London.

The company’s outlook is moderate, influenced by mixed financial performance and bearish technical indicators. Nonetheless, a strong balance sheet and positive corporate events, including the share buyback program, provide some support. High valuation levels and weak cash flow conversion remain areas of concern.

About Barratt Redrow PLC

Barratt Redrow PLC operates in the residential housing sector, developing and selling properties under three leading brands. The company leverages a strong land position and a strategic approach designed to deliver sustainable growth, targeting the construction of 22,000 homes annually over the medium term.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

PZ Cussons (LSE:PZC) has reported ongoing progress toward its strategic objectives for the fiscal year ending May 2025, emphasizing operational efficiency and business transformation. The company experienced strong brand activity in the UK and Indonesia and achieved revenue growth in the ANZ region, despite a 2.7% decline in reported revenue due to foreign exchange effects. The sale of its 50% stake in PZ Wilmar for $70 million is expected to bolster the company’s financial position, while retaining the St.Tropez brand aims to enhance long-term value. PZ Cussons is also reviewing its African operations and has introduced cost-saving measures to strengthen brand development. Looking ahead, the company anticipates around 10% like-for-like revenue growth in FY26, driven by expansion in Africa and the Asia-Pacific region.

Although PZ Cussons faces financial and technical challenges, including declining revenues and bearish technical indicators, strategic corporate actions such as asset disposals and management alignment with shareholders provide some positive outlook.

About PZ Cussons

PZ Cussons, headquartered in Manchester, UK, is a consumer goods company with a history dating back to 1884. The company operates across Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, and Africa, focusing on hygiene, baby, and beauty products. Its portfolio includes well-known brands such as Carex, Childs Farm, Cussons Baby, Imperial Leather, Morning Fresh, Original Source, Premier, Sanctuary Spa, and St.Tropez. Sustainability and employee wellbeing are central to its corporate strategy.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Galliford Try Holdings PLC (LSE:GFRD) has announced robust financial results for the year ending 30 June 2025, with revenue rising 6.3% to £1,875.2 million and adjusted profit before tax increasing 28.6% to £45.0 million. The company maintains a strong order book of £4.1 billion, securing a large portion of future revenue and aligning strategically with government infrastructure spending plans. Galliford Try also achieved its 2026 operating margin target a year ahead of schedule and announced a new £10 million share buyback program, underscoring its confidence in growth and commitment to delivering long-term value to stakeholders.

The company’s performance is primarily driven by strong revenue growth and solid cash flow. Positive technical indicators and reasonable valuation support an encouraging outlook, while exceeding performance expectations and implementing share buybacks further reinforce investor confidence.

About Galliford Try Holdings PLC

Galliford Try Holdings PLC is a UK-based construction firm specializing in infrastructure and affordable housing projects. The company operates across highways, water, defense, education, and housing sectors, positioning itself to contribute to planned investments in the UK’s economic and social infrastructure.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Empire Metals Limited (LSE:EEE) has appointed Michael Tamlin as Marketing Manager to support product development and improve market access for its Pitfield Titanium Project in Western Australia. Alongside an extended collaboration with TiPMC Consulting, this appointment aims to refine the project’s product strategy and engage potential buyers in high-value titanium markets. The company is also making strong progress with bulk metallurgical testwork, a critical step for building a premium customer base and advancing the project toward a feasibility study.

About Empire Metals

Empire Metals Limited is an AIM-listed and OTCQX-traded exploration and resource development company focused on the Pitfield Titanium Project in Western Australia, recognized for its high-grade titanium discovery and potential for further expansion. The company is also active in other Australian exploration projects, including the Eclipse and Walton Projects.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

GSK (LSE:GSK) has unveiled plans to invest $30 billion in the United States over the next five years, targeting enhancements in research and development as well as supply chain infrastructure. The program includes $1.2 billion earmarked for advanced manufacturing facilities and digital technology upgrades, expected to generate hundreds of skilled jobs and strengthen GSK’s footprint in the U.S. life sciences sector. This initiative underscores the company’s commitment to innovation, with a particular focus on respiratory and oncology medicines, reinforcing its position as a leader in the biopharma industry.

GSK’s strong financial performance and positive earnings trends are key drivers of its favorable outlook. Strategic emphasis on specialty medicines, shareholder returns, and a reasonable valuation, combined with supportive technical indicators, bolster confidence in growth prospects. While challenges in vaccine sales and regulatory pressures exist, the company’s innovation-led initiatives and expansion plans mitigate these risks.

About GlaxoSmithKline

GSK is a global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to advancing healthcare through science, technology, and talent. It specializes in the development of medicines and vaccines, emphasizing research and innovation to address critical health challenges worldwide.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

McBride (LSE:MCB) has delivered solid financial results for the year ending June 2025, accompanied by the reinstatement of its dividend, reflecting sustained profitability and a strengthened balance sheet. The company saw notable growth in key markets, especially in Germany and the laundry sector, while enhancing customer service performance. Reduced net debt and the successful execution of its transformation program underline McBride’s improved financial position, supporting continued investment and expansion.

The business also secured new long-term contracts, driving a 48.9% increase in contract manufacturing volumes, and maintained a strong market presence in private label products. These developments highlight McBride’s confidence in its strategic direction and commitment to delivering long-term value to shareholders.

The company’s outlook is underpinned by strong financial performance and positive corporate actions, though bearish technical indicators remain a consideration. While the stock appears undervalued, high leverage and current market trends present potential risks.

About McBride

McBride is a leading European manufacturer and supplier, specializing in private label and contract-manufactured products for both domestic household and professional cleaning and hygiene markets.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.