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London stocks fall as rate cut jitters weigh, Anglo declines BHP

London's bluechip stocks dropped on Wednesday for the six straight session as traders pared back bets on the timing of Federal Reserve rates of interest cuts, while Anglo American fell after Australian resources huge BHP Group left its $49 billion takeover pursuit.

Anglo shares fell 3.0%. Earlier in the day Anglo turned down BHP's desperate request for more time to go over a takeover deal, dismissing it as extremely complex.

The blue-chip FTSE 100 closed 0.9% lower, in its longest losing streak given that August 2023.

On the other hand, the mid-cap FTSE 250 also ended 1.3% lower, logging its worst day in over a month.

U.S. Treasury yields increased after information revealed a sharp improvement in U.S. customer self-confidence measure for May that prompted investors to decrease their bets on a rate cut in September.

The increase in yields shows sticky inflation concerns and greater rates of interest expectations after stronger-than-expected U.S. customer self-confidence information yesterday and hawkish commentary from Federal Reserve officials, said Fiona Cincotta, senior market expert at City Index, in a note.

The two-year UK gilt yield increased to its greatest because February 2023 at 4.57% in the session, while the yield on the criteria 10-year gilt rose to 4.37%, in their fifth session of gains.

More comprehensive decreases in the market were led by the auto and parts sector that dropped 3.5%, partially erasing its gain from the previous session.

Precious and commercial metal miners lost 2.2% and 1.9% respectively, tracking a. decline in gold and copper prices.

On the brighter side, energy shares led gains. extending their winning streak to a 4th session with a 0.6%. increase, in tandem with oil prices.

Later in the week markets will aim to the Fed's preferred. inflation gauge - the Personal Usage Expenses (PCE). cost index information and the Bank of England Guv Andrew. Bailey's speech.

Among stocks, International Distributions Providers. jumped 4.3% after the Royal Mail owner accepted a. 3.57-billion-pound ($ 4.55 billion) takeover deal by Czech. billionaire Daniel Kretinsky.

Online grocer

Ocado

dropped 12.3% to the bottom of FTSE 100 index as. index provider LSEG said it might be relocated to the mid-cap FTSE. 250 from the blue chip index.

(source: Reuters)