BUSINESS LIVE: Inflation slows to 8.7%; M&S earnings dented by costs

Consumer price inflation was 8.7 per cent in April, down from from 10.1 per cent in March but higher than the Bank of England’s forecast of 8.4 per cent, fresh data from the Office for National Statistics reveals. 

The FTSE 100 will open at 8am. Among the companies with reports and trading updates today are Marks & Spencer, SSE Group, C&C Group, BT, Kingfisher, Playtech and Severn Trent. Read the Wednesday 24 May Business Live blog below.

> If you are using our app or a third-party site click here to read Business Live