LONDON, Nov 26 ― The UK's blue-chip index crept higher for a fourth session yesterday as gains in consumer stocks offset losses stemming from ex-dividend trading, while pub group Mitchells rose after its sales surpassed pre-pandemic levels.
However, further gains were checked by declines in Vodafone as it traded without entitlement for dividend. “Cost inflation is another big pressure on the business, and Mitchells & Butlers could find it hard to pass this on to the customer in the form of higher prices,” said Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell.
Investors will look for hints about the Bank of England's rate hike plans in December, with Governor Andrew Bailey set to speak later in the day yesterday.