The FTSE 100 made strong headway on Wednesday, supported by a larger-than-expected cooling in inflation and a spike in the oil price.

The FTSE 100 index closed up 89.53 points, 0.9%, at 9,774.32. It had earlier traded as high as 9,853.13.

The FTSE 250 ended 123.78 points higher, 0.6%, at 22,164.76, and the AIM All-Share ended up 2.07 points, 0.3%, at 751.48.

The soft UK inflation data sealed the Bank of England’s (BoE) expected interest rate cut on Thursday and increased the likelihood of further reductions in 2026, analysts said.

Barclays said it “removes the final hurdle that could likely have, in our view, dissuaded the BoE from cutting bank rate tomorrow”.

The headline Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rose 3.2% year-on-year in November, slowing from 3.6% in October, and well below FXStreet-cited consensus of 3.5%, according to data published by the Office for National Statistics.

On a monthly basis, CPI fell by 0.2%, compared with a 0.1% increase a year earlier.

November’s figure was below the 3.4% forecast in the recent BoE Monetary Policy Report. Similarly, core CPI inflation, which excludes energy, food, alcohol and tobacco, slowed to 3.2% from 3.4% against expectations for it to remain unchanged.

In addition, closely watched CPI services inflation cooled to 4.4% from 4.5% in October, compared with forecasts for it to remain unchanged. CPI goods inflation slowed to 2.1% from 2.6%.

“UK price pressures are rapidly easing amid persistent softness in demand growth. We expect headline inflation to fall towards the BoE’s 2% target over the course of next year,” said Peel Hunt chief economist Kallum Pickering.

Mr Pickering thinks the risk now is that the BoE has “fallen behind the curve and may need to play catch-up in 2026”.

“We will be paying careful attention to the voting pattern and forward guidance which accompany tomorrow’s BoE decision for a signal that the bank is ready to lean harder against downside risks,” he explained.

“Do not be surprised if the BoE sends dovish signals that it stands ready to lean against downside risks next year – implying cuts at successive meetings.”

The BoE is forecast to reduce the bank rate to 3.75% from 4.0% on Thursday, after voting for the status quo at meetings in September and November.

Mr Pickering said that, following the inflation surprise, money market bets for a BoE cut on Thursday jumped to 97% from 92%, while expectations for the total number of cuts over the next year increased to 2.7 from 2.4.

Money markets now put a 65% chance on a cut in the first quarter of 2026, up from 45% prior to Wednesday’s data, he noted.

The pound was quoted lower at 1.3359 dollars at the time of the London equities close on Wednesday, compared with 1.3429 dollars on Tuesday.

Rate-sensitive housebuilders were in vogue, with Barratt Redrow up 3.7% and Persimmon up 2.3%.

A rebound in the oil price also provided support in London, with Shell up 1.4% and BP up 0.7%.

Brent oil was quoted at 59.91 dollars a barrel at the time of the London equities close on Wednesday, up from 59.01 dollars late Tuesday.

Kathleen Brooks, at XTB, said the reversal in prices came after US President Donald Trump announced a “total and complete blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers” going in and out of Venezuela.

“This is an unusual move, typically blockades need to be agreed by Congress, so this is a serious escalation of events. Venezuela holds the world’s largest share of oil reserves, hence why this blockade has caused ructions in the energy market,” Ms Brooks pointed out.

In Europe on Wednesday, the CAC 40 in Paris closed down 0.3%, while the DAX 40 in Frankfurt ended 0.5% lower.

The euro stood at 1.1749 dollars, down against 1.1775 dollars. Against the yen, the dollar was trading higher at 155.55 yen compared with 154.79 yen.

Stocks in New York were lower at the time of the London equity close on Wednesday.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 0.2%, the S&P 500 index was 0.7% lower, while the Nasdaq Composite declined 1.1%.

The yield on the US 10-year Treasury was quoted at 4.17% flat from Tuesday. The yield on the US 30-year Treasury was at 4.83%, also unchanged from Tuesday.

Back in London, insurer Phoenix Group rose 3.3% after UBS upgraded it to ‘buy’ from ‘neutral’, while an upgrade from Berenberg supported miner Glencore, which rose 1.5%.

Bunzl fell 2.0% after backing its 2025 guidance but cautioned that its operating margin is expected to be slightly down in the coming year.

In response, JPMorgan analyst Jane Sparrow lowered 2026 earnings per share forecasts by 4% and revenue estimates by 1%, with the bulk of the EPS downgrade being margin-driven, reflecting continued operating expenditure inflation but without price inflation to offset.

On the FTSE 250, Serco climbed 7.4% after upgrading guidance for underlying operating profit for this year, citing growth in the defence sector.

The Hampshire-based government services outsourcing provider said it now expects 2025 underlying operating profit of around £270 million, up 3.8% from previous guidance of £260 million but 1.5% lower than £274 million in 2024.

“We believe Serco is well positioned, with rising defence budgets, attractive fundamentals, and strong balance sheet optionality,” analysts at Peel Hunt said.

But Ceres Power’s woes continued, down a further 6.1%, after last week’s critical note from Grizzly Research.

Hunting was knocked down 4.6% as Jefferies downgraded to ‘hold’ from ‘buy’.

Gold was quoted at 4,326.25 dollars an ounce on Wednesday, higher against 4,304.60 dollars.

The biggest risers on the FTSE 100 were Barratt Redrow, up 13.30 pence at 375.00p, Phoenix Group, up 23.00p at 719.00p, Convatec, up 7.40p at 242.20p, HSBC Holdings, up 30.00p at 1,141.80p and United Utilities, up 30.00p at 1,203.00p.

The biggest fallers on the FTSE 100 were DCC, down 181.00p at 4,924.00p, Bunzl, down 44.00p at 2,176.00p, ICG, down 32.00p at 2,024.00p, Weir, down 44.00p at 2,814.00p and IMI, down 34.00p at 2,434.00p.

Thursday’s economic calendar has interest rate decisions in the UK, Europe, Norway and Sweden, plus US inflation data.

Thursday’s UK corporate calendar has half-year results from electricals retailer Currys.

– Contributed by Alliance News

Last Updated:December 17, 2025, 20:45 IST

The Ambani family’s estimated wealth stands at $105.6 billion, placing it among the world’s most influential business dynasties.

The Ambanis’ presence in the elite list is significant, as it not only reflects the scale of their wealth but also their growing influence in the global economy. (File)

World’s Richest Families List 2025: The Ambani family, headed by Reliance Industries Chairperson Mukesh Ambani, is the only Indian family to make it to Bloomberg‘s 2025 list of the world’s 25 richest families.

As per the news outlet, the Ambani family’s estimated wealth stands at $105.6 billion, placing it among the world’s most influential business dynasties. The family’s vast empire, Reliance Industries, spans key sectors such as energy, petrochemicals and telecommunications, and has steadily expanded into digital services and sustainability-focused businesses.

The family’s wealth is built on the shoulders of Dhirubhai Ambani, who started the company in the 1950s with little more than determination and vision. The Ambanis’ presence in the elite list is significant, as it not only reflects the scale of their wealth but also their growing influence in the global economy.

According to Bloomberg, the world’s richest families list shows how long-standing dynasties and newer business powerhouses continue to dominate global wealth today.

At the top of the global ranking is the Walton family of the United States, owners of retail giant Walmart, with a combined net worth of $513.4 billion. Their combined fortune exceeded half a trillion dollars for the first time. Walmart’s total revenue for the recent fiscal year reached $681 billion, its massive footprint with over 10,750 stores worldwide is the core reason.

Others In The List

Al Nahyan Family: With an estimated net worth of $335.9 billion, the Al Nahyan family ranks among the world’s richest dynasties. The ruling family of Abu Dhabi, which holds most of the United Arab Emirates’ oil reserves, sees their wealth continue to soar. Under the leadership of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is also the country’s president, the family’s assets are vast, with investments in AI, crypto, and more. Sheikh Tahnoon, a key family member, oversees assets worth $1.5 trillion and has been a major investor in the crypto space.

Al Saud Family: With an estimated net worth of $213.6 billion, the Saudi royal family’s massive wealth is anchored in the country’s vast oil reserves, mainly through Saudi Aramco. Though the family is estimated to have around 15,000 extended members, much of the wealth is concentrated in key royals, including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Al Thani Family: With an estimated net worth of $199.5 billion, the Al Thani family ranks among the world’s wealthiest royal families. Qatar’s ruling family have seen their fortunes skyrocket since oil was discovered in the region in the 1940s. The Qatari royal family recently offered the Trump administration a luxury Boeing 747 to use as a temporary Air Force One.

Hermes Family: The Hermes family, with a net worth of $184.5 billion, has successfully preserved its wealth across six generations. Renowned for ultra-luxury products such as the iconic Birkin handbag, Hermes continues to thrive on exclusivity, craftsmanship, and innovation. Despite being one of the largest luxury houses in the world, the family still retains control of the company.

Koch Family: The Koch family, with an estimated net worth of $150.5 billion, controls Koch Industries, one of the largest private conglomerates in the US. Today, Koch Industries spans industries from chemicals and oil refining to ranching and paper.

Mars Family: The Mars family, with a net worth of $143.4 billion, is known for iconic chocolate brands such as M&M’s and Snickers. The family’s company, Mars, Inc., has grown through strategic acquisitions, including its purchase of snack-food maker Kellanova in 2025.

Wertheimer Family: The Wertheimer family, with a net worth of $85.6 billion, owns the luxury fashion house Chanel. They have seen their fortune rise as luxury goods continue to boom. Chanel, known for its timeless designs like the “little black dress,” remains one of the world’s most iconic brands.

Thomson Family: The Thomson family, with a net worth of $82.1 billion, is based in Canada and controls Thomson Reuters, a global leader in financial data and media. Their fortune began in the 1930s with Roy Thomson’s purchase of a radio station, which led to the creation of a media empire.

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Warner Bros Discovery has told shareholders to reject a hostile takeover bid from rival Paramount Skydance.

It has pushed back against the approach and stressed it favours a deal from streaming giant Netflix to take control of its movie studios, cable networks and streaming service.

Bosses at Warner Bros, which makes franchises such as Harry Potter and Batman, said the proposed deal from Paramount was “inadequate” and poses a “significant risk” to shareholders.

Samuel Di Piazza Jr, chairman of the Warner Bros board of directors, said: “This offer once again fails to address key concerns that we have consistently communicated to Paramount throughout our extensive engagement and review of their six previous proposals.

“We are confident that our merger with Netflix represents superior, more certain value for our shareholders and we look forward to delivering on the compelling benefits of our combination.”

Paramount lodged a 30 US dollars (£22.50) a share bid for Warner Bros, days after the company agreed to be bought by Netflix in early December in a 72 billion dollar (£54 billion) deal.

Paramount’s offer values Warner Bros at 108.4 billion dollars (£81.3 billion) including debts, trumping Netflix’s 27.75 dollars (£20.81) per share offer, which values Warner Bros at 72 billion dollars or 82.7 billion dollars (£62 billion) including debts.

Netflix agreed to buy the Warner Bros Discovery film and TV studios business whereas Paramount has bid for the whole of Warner Bros.

Earlier on Wednesday, Affinity Partners, the private equity firm owned by US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, pulled its backing from Paramount’s bid.

Mr Trump previously warned the Netflix takeover of Warner Bros “could be a problem” because of its combined market share, confirming he would be involved in the decision about whether the US federal government should approve the deal.

Paramount said in its appeal to win over Warner Bros shareholders that its offer would be more likely to pass regulatory scrutiny.

Mr Kushner’s decision to pull his firm’s financial backing is seen as taking away a possible advantage for Paramount to secure Mr Trump’s approval.

Paramount’s bid still has the financial backing of wealth funds run by three governments in the Persian Gulf, widely reported as Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi and Qatar.

Paramount earlier revealed it had made six takeover approaches to Warner Bros over 12 weeks, but claimed Warner Bros “never engaged meaningfully”.