Across the pond, US stock markets wrapped up the day in positive territory. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite basked in gains, particularly within the tech sector. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, however, took a tiny step back. The macroeconomic backdrop was enhanced yesterday by a US inflation statistic that definitively ruled out any risk of the Fed giving up on cutting rates next week. Prices in the US continued to rise, but in line with expectations. The probability of a quarter-point cut in US key rates on 18 December has risen from 81% to 98.5%.

Asian markets presented a mixed bag, with Japan's Nikkei 225 and Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index enjoying gains, while Australia's S&P/ASX 200 experienced a slight dip.

The European Central Bank (ECB) is expected to unveil a 25 basis-point deposit rate cut, sticking to its data-dependent strategy without locking in future policy directions. The ECB's last gathering in October saw similar rate trims. Meanwhile, the Swiss National Bank is poised for an interest rate decision, and the US weekly jobless claims figures are on the docket for later in the day.

Rightmove is forecasting a bustling 2025 for the UK housing market, fueled by anticipated Bank of England rate cuts. The property portal predicts a 4% rise in national average asking prices.
Meanwhile, The London Stock Exchange Group said it had completed the divestment of its 4.92% stake in Belgium-based financial services provider Euroclear for 455 million euros.