United Kingdom: FTSE 100 Rises to Over 3-Month High.

The FTSE 100 climbed more than 1% to above 10,700 on Wednesday, reaching its highest level since March 2, as broad-based gains across banks, healthcare, energy and mining stocks lifted the index. HSBC advanced more than 2%, while Lloyds Banking and Barclays gained over 1.5% and 1%, respectively. Healthcare stocks also strengthened, with AstraZeneca rising 1.7% and GSK adding 0.8%. Oil majors Shell and BP gained 1.4% and 2.1% as crude prices extended their rally amid ongoing tensions between the US and Iran. Mining shares outperformed, with Endeavour Mining surging 5%, Fresnillo climbing 3.5% and Antofagasta adding 2.6%. Investors also assessed softer-than-expected UK inflation data, which showed consumer prices rose 2.6% in June as lower petrol, food and clothing prices eased inflationary pressures. In the FTSE 250, EasyJet tumbled more than 11% after reports that the European Union could review airline ownership rules, potentially complicating the company's takeover.