FTSE 100 slips as lockdown worries weigh

London's FTSE 100 fell in a choppy trading session on Wednesday, as investors weighed a rise in inflation and prospects of more coronavirus restrictions in England. Deputy chief medical officer Jonathan Van-Tam said on Tuesday COVID-19 measures in England might need to be tightened as new infections accelerate swiftly. In company news, Metro Bank Plc jumped 10.9% after the lender reported a 2% increase in lending for the third quarter.

London's FTSE 100 fell in a choppy trading session on Wednesday, as investors weighed a rise in inflation and prospects of more coronavirus restrictions in England. The blue-chip FTSE 100 dropped 0.5%, dragged lower by industrials, aero and food and drug retailer stocks, while the domestically focussed mid-cap FTSE 250 lost 0.3%.

Official data showed annual consumer price inflation in September climbed to 0.5% from 0.2% in August, when it had been reduced by a temporary scheme to promote dining in restaurants. Deputy chief medical officer Jonathan Van-Tam said on Tuesday COVID-19 measures in England might need to be tightened as new infections accelerate swiftly.

In company news, Metro Bank Plc jumped 10.9% after the lender reported a 2% increase in lending for the third quarter.