UK inflation pressures hits three-year high; Nobel prize for economics awarded today – business live

AI desk brief

UK business inflation pressures hit a three-year high, with BDO’s inflation index rising to 103.65 in September from 102.18 in August as energy, fuel and raw material costs climbed. The report also showed output falling in both UK manufacturing and services, highlighting a stagflationary mix that keeps pressure on policymakers and supports the inflation/haven bid for precious metals.

The piece also flags geopolitical energy risk as Trump’s Middle East conflict and the Russia/Ukraine diesel deal keep oil and refining markets unsettled. Brent was only 0.25% lower at $104.46/bbl after an earlier 2% drop, but the broader message remains that persistent energy volatility is feeding inflation expectations.