The FTSE 100 has dropped 1pc, after new data out of China showed the world's second-largest economy stuttered in the face of resurgent Covid cases, global shortages and severe flooding in July.
BHP mulls merging its oil business with Australia’s Woodside, Ultra Electronics accepts a £2.6 billion takeover from Cobham, Lloyds Banking Group’s new chief executive takes over today, and Future shares hit a new high as it grows its portfolio of titles with a £300 million deal.