Britain’s annual inflation rate reached 3.5% in September as the FTSE 100 rose 0.19% in London on Wednesday; The Independent said SpaceX’s $4.4 billion profit lifted sentiment.
The index closed at 10,752.88, a gain of 19.88 points. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said annual consumer price inflation was 3.5% in the 12 months to September 2026, compared with 3.1% in August. It was the highest annual rate since October 2025.
FXStreet’s economic calendar showed a 3.4% consensus before the release. Reuters reported that the inflation surprise restrained the FTSE’s advance. Transport made the largest contribution to the rise in the annual rate, with motor fuels leading within that category.
Petrol averaged 169.5 pence per liter in September, 8.2 pence more than in August and its highest level since August 2022, the ONS said. Annual motor fuel inflation reached 29.8%, up from 23% in August. Core CPI inflation, which excludes energy, food, alcohol and tobacco, was 2.8% year over year, compared with 2.6%; services inflation rose to 3.7% from 3.4%.
A filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) showed SpaceX had $14.6 billion in revenue for the three months through Sept. 30, 2026, up 161% from $5.6 billion a year earlier. Net income was $4.4 billion, versus a $1.1 billion loss in the year-earlier quarter. Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) climbed 306% to $8.8 billion. SpaceX credited growth to its Super Intelligence segment and faster expansion in Connectivity.
The Bank of England lists its Bank Rate at 3.75%. The Monetary Policy Committee’s next scheduled decision is Nov. 5.
