Inflation today hit its highest level in nearly a decade as rising energy bills sent the UK's consumer prices index to a higher-than-expected 4.2% for October.
The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics add to expectations that the Bank of England will raise interest rates next month, particularly given yesterday's encouraging update on the state of the jobs market.
The economic outlook continues to dominate the City agenda, despite results and updates from blue-chips including British Land, software firm Sage and credit checking business Experian.
