FTSE 100 Live: London blue chips surge to 4-month high as inflation softens

The FTSE 100 surged to a four-month high as inflation cooled, with London’s benchmark rising 163 points to 10,749 and hitting its highest level since 3 March. The market move came alongside data showing inflation eased to 2.6% from 2.8%, while core CPI reportedly stayed unchanged. Brent crude climbed to a six-week high, supporting energy-linked sentiment, as shares including Honeywell, Verizon, 3M and Chevron led gains on the Dow, while London names such as Prudential, Persimmon, Weir, Endeavour, Segro and Babcock were among the top risers. In company-specific trading, Super Micro Computer shares jumped more than 23% after preliminary Q4 results showed gross margins of 15-17% versus prior guidance of 8.2-8.4% and a record order backlog with new orders over $60 billion in the quarter. Prologis’ raised Segro bid to £14 billion from £13.5 billion was also discussed, described by analysts as still below fair value.