The FTSE 100 climbed 1% on Wednesday, marking its third consecutive session of gains, driven by softer-than-expected UK inflation and strong corporate earnings. UK inflation held at 3.8% in September, below the 4% forecast, fueling speculation that the Bank of England may cut interest rates. This boosted housebuilding stocks, with Persimmon and Taylor Wimpey rising 6.4% and 4.5%, respectively. Barclays shares rose over 3% after delivering “solid” results, showing strength in both UK lending and investment banking. Rio Tinto gained more than 2% on reports it might pursue an asset-for-equity deal with China’s Chinalco, potentially enabling share buybacks. Conversely, precious metal miners like Fresnillo and Endeavour Mining fell about 1% amid declining gold and silver prices.