UK Stocks-Factors to watch on February 17 (updated)
17/02/2026 07:52
Adds new items, updates futures Feb 17 (Reuters) - Britain's FTSE 100 .FTSE index is seen opening flat on Tuesday, with futures FFIc1 largely unchanged. * ANTOFAGASTA: Antofagasta ANTO.L posted a 52% jump in annual core profit aided by higher prices for the metal despite a modest production drop. * IHG: InterContinental Hotels Group IHG.L reported fourth quarter global revenue per available room above market expectations, as growth in Europe, Middle East and Asia Pacific markets offset weakness in U.S. * DEBENHAMS: Debenhams DEBS.L confirmed plans for a 35 million pound equity fundraise to boost liquidity and cut its net debt. * JOBS: Britain's labour market weakened again with the jobless rate at its highest since 2015, excluding the pandemic period, and wage growth slowing again, according to data likely to add to bets on a Bank of England interest rate cut as soon as next month. * OIL: Oil prices were steady on Tuesday as investors assessed risks of supply disruption after Iran conducted naval drills near the Strait of Hormuz right ahead of nuclear talks with the U.S. later in the day. * METALS: London copper prices fell in thin Asia trade as a firmer dollar, coupled with increasing inventories and weak demand, pressured prices. * GOLD: Gold dropped more than 2% as holidays in major markets hit liquidity, while easing geopolitical tensions and a stronger dollar added to the pressure. * For more on the factors affecting European stocks, please click on: LIVE/ TODAY'S UK PAPERS > Financial Times PRESS/FT > Other business headlines PRESS/GB (Compiled by Neeshita Beura in Bengaluru) ((Neeshita.Beura@thomsonreuters.com))