London’s FTSE 100 pared some early gains to close almost flat at 9,223 on Tuesday, as investors digested weaker-than-expected PMI data while awaiting Fed Chair Jerome Powell speech later in the day. The survey showed UK private-sector growth easing to its weakest pace since May, with services expanding more slowly and manufacturing contracting further. Meanwhile, the OECD slightly increased its UK growth projection to 1.4% for 2025, while indicating that inflation could hit 3.5% by year-end, the highest among major economies. Among equities, Kingfisher gained nearly 15% after raising its full-year outlook on stronger interim profits, dragging others in the sector with it. In contrast, Smiths Group retreated over 3% from record highs earlier on profit-taking. Losses in heavyweights AstraZeneca and British American Tobacco also weighed.