The choice of chancellor is expected to drive UK gilts and sterling, MillTech analyst Nick Wood said. Investors are eager for the chancellor appointment after Starmer's resignation this week; incumbent Chancellor Reeves is likely to be replaced. Wood said the chancellor could be as important to market confidence as the new prime minister and investors want clarity on the incoming team's economic policy. With no other credible challengers so far, front-runner Andy Burnham appears increasingly lik

The US, Qatar and other natural gas exporters have urged the EU to relax parts of proposed methane-emissions rules, warning the measures could threaten EU energy security. In a letter to European leaders co-signed by Nigeria and Algeria they called for a "pragmatic approach" to clarify and amend rule details so importers can continue supplying required oil and gas. The appeal comes as the EU faces pressure to lower high energy prices and plans to boost US gas imports amid the Middle East conflict; several member states want the methane rules' impact on energy security discussed at this week's EU energy ministers meeting.

cenc automatically measured a magnitude ~3.0 earthquake near Zhenning, Anshun, Guizhou at 11:44 on June 24 (25.47°N, 105.82°E). This is a preliminary automatic estimate; final parameters await the official rapid report.