FTSE up as UK inflation and ECB meeting awaited

The FTSE 100 started Thursday on the front foot, reclaiming the 7,100 mantle early on, but all the focus is on announcements coming later this afternoon from Washington and Frankfurt.

AJ Bell investment director Russ Mould: “US inflation figures could set the tone for the rest of the month, let alone the rest of the day when they are released later. A higher than expected number could put the markets back in panic mode over rising prices, even if the US Federal Reserve has done its best to convince investors the trajectory of interest rates is more closely tied to the employment market.

“The European Central Bank meets later with little expectation of any change in emphasis let alone policy but any sign that the ECB might seek to taper its support for the economy could also provoke a shock.”