UK core CPI m/m (Aug) +0.3%, matching consensus 0.3%; prior +0.2%.

Jefferies analyst Andrew Lyons backed Australian bank Westpac’s view that AI investments should be judged by client growth, deposit growth, loan growth, productivity and financial results rather than by narrow operational metrics. Lyons said focus should shift away from measures such as employee capacity created or number of manual processes eliminated; the material question is whether AI capability drives stronger growth, faster execution and better business outcomes.

Meta Platforms (META.O) rose in premarket trading after Citigroup added Meta to its 90-day list of potential upside catalysts.